About ASL Mogador

A Word from the President

Six months ago, we made the decision to commit ourselves to a large-scale project: the restoration of the Slat Lkahal Synagogue. This undertaking required extensive administrative preparation, securing the necessary authorizations, and mobilizing the support of those who share our conviction that this heritage must not be lost.

The work already accomplished — the roof repair of the prayer hall during 2011–2012 and the cleaning and restoration of the main facade during 2013–2014 — demonstrates what is possible when determination meets generosity. Yet much remains to be done. We invite you to join us in ensuring that the Slat Lkahal Synagogue endures as a living testament to the Jewish heritage of Mogador.

At ASL Mogador, the work of preserving the Slat Lkahal Synagogue is rooted in a deep respect for the generations who built and sustained Jewish life in Essaouira. This sacred space, nestled in the historic Mellah quarter, carries the echoes of centuries of prayer, study, and community gathering. The association's mission extends beyond physical restoration to encompass the memory of a vibrant Jewish heritage that once flourished along Morocco's Atlantic coast. Every effort made to stabilize the structure, protect its ornamental details, and document its history is an act of honoring those who came before, ensuring that future generations can still witness the enduring legacy of Mogador's Jewish community.

The restoration of an historic synagogue requires careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and a long-term commitment to responsible stewardship. ASL Mogador approaches this task with the same seriousness and dignity that families bring to honoring their loved ones. Just as funeral homes provide guidance through difficult times of loss, this association offers a way for people to channel their grief over a vanishing heritage into meaningful action. By supporting the preservation of the Slat Lkahal Synagogue, individuals can transform a sense of loss into a tangible legacy, ensuring that the physical and spiritual heart of Jewish Mogador remains standing for those who wish to remember, learn, and reflect.

Community involvement lies at the core of ASL Mogador's preservation efforts. The synagogue's fate is not solely the concern of historians or heritage professionals; it belongs to everyone who values the rich tapestry of Moroccan Jewish history. Through volunteer participation, cultural events, and educational initiatives, the association invites people from all backgrounds to connect with this sacred site. The work of safeguarding the Slat Lkahal Synagogue is a collective responsibility, one that strengthens bonds across communities and generations. In remembering the Jewish heritage of Essaouira, we affirm that no culture should be forgotten, and no sacred space should be allowed to crumble into silence.