The CRS Women’s Trip to Mexico City with Rabbi Juli Karol brought together Jewish learning, cultural exploration, spiritual connection, and joyful community experiences across five unforgettable days.
A Meaningful Beginning
The trip began in a meaningful encounter with members of Mexico City’s Jewish community, where participants learned about the four principal Jewish traditions practiced there: Syrian, Lebanese, Sephardic, and Ashkenazi.
The group then took part in a Mayan-Jewish cacao ceremony honoring the themes of Shavuot and the changing seasons before enjoying a dinner featuring Mexico’s famous street foods. The evening concluded with a surprise mariachi band performance that set a merry tone for the days ahead.
Exploring Jewish Mexico
The second day focused on the history of Jewish migration to Mexico. Guided by artist and documentarian David Calderon Zonana, a member of the Mexican Jewish community, participants explored the story of Jewish life in Mexico City and visited the historic Justo Sierra Synagogue, the first Ashkenazi synagogue in Mexico and one of the only synagogues in the city open to the public. They also had a tour of the Center for Jewish Investigation and Documentation in Mexico, which recovers, protects, and organizes historical documents related to Jewish Mexico.
From there, the group headed to the Michelin-starred restaurant Pujol for what Rabbi Karol described as “six courses of the most exquisite food,” including insect-dipped corn — with the reminder that “grasshoppers are kosher!” (see Leviticus 11:22).
That evening, the group joined the Bet El community for Shavuot celebrations. Participants learned about Jewish mysticism with Rabbi Dalia Siman, Mexico’s first woman rabbi, before joining a congregational song and niggun circle. Familiar melodies like Oseh Shalom, El Na Refah Na La, and Ozi V’zimrat Ya created a powerful sense of connection across communities and cultures. The evening’s learning, music, and celebration lasted until 1:00 AM.
History, Art, and Shabbat
Day three brought the group to the world-renowned Anthropology Museum, where local guide Santiago introduced participants to the history, symbols, and traditions of the Aztecs and other ancient civilizations that shaped Mexico’s history.
The group explored pyramids, sculptures, dioramas, ceremonial artifacts, and the Aztec Sunstone while learning about themes of life, death, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
After lunch in El Zócalo, Mexico City’s historic center, participants toured the city and learned how Mexico City evolved from a lake into today’s sprawling urban metropolis. In the Palacio de Bellas Artes, they viewed murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rina Lazo, and others depicting Mexico’s labor movements and revolutionary history.
The evening concluded with an Erev Shabbat service and a communal dinner at a traditional hacienda, where all participants gathered around a large table to sing, pray, and enjoy the feeling of CRS far from home.
A Day in Puebla
The fourth day took the group to Puebla, known for its vibrant Talavera pottery tradition. Participants learned about the centuries-old process used to create authentic Talavera pottery, including the special clay techniques that trace back to the Arab empires.
The day also included a traditional molé tasting lunch, a birthday celebration for one of the travelers, a visit to Puebla Cathedral, and time exploring the city’s colorful markets.
After a long and rainy drive back to Mexico City, many participants headed to La Rosa Negra for what they expected to be dinner, but what quickly turned into “a dance party with food” and an unforgettable night out.
Closing in Community
On the final day, the group traveled to the canals of Xochimilco, where they rode brightly colored boats accompanied by mariachi music. Participants danced, photographed the vibrant scenery, and enjoyed lunch in the lively Plaza del Coyote before visiting Casa Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo.
There, the group explored Kahlo’s story, artwork, and personal artifacts before sharing one final meal together.
The journey concluded with Havdalah at the hotel, where participants reflected on the bonding, learning, and adventures they shared throughout their journey
Rabbi Karol noted that the group ended “where we began, in a circle of community, relishing the newfound treasures we uncovered this week in Mexico City and in one another.”
The group also expressed gratitude to their guides Sharon and Santiago, their advance coordinator Diego, and driver Jorge for helping make the journey such a safe, meaningful, and memorable experience.
