Very attractive place with a sand floor. Video of Jewish history in VI and nice architecture. A little off the beaten path in CA, but worth the hunt.

Loved the sand floor and the DVD, which taught us a lot about Jews in the Caribbean. This is a nice little side trip away from the shopping madness on the main streets of Charlotte Amalie.

Within walking distance from the downtown "diamond" peddlers, is St Thomas Synagogue. The island was partially settled by Jewish immigrants looking for a place to live peacefully. We toured it without any guide and viewed the video. It is a heart rendering story of trials and victories over tyranny and the hardships that island life renders. The building is beautiful in a simple but affirmative way with the dirt floor which is a symbol of when they had to hide their religious beliefs from those that would butcher them. The sand floor muffled their prayers in the basements as they had to live as Christians above ground or else pay the price for their beliefs with their lives to the Spanish. Why is religion so cruel? I haven't a clue. Wood benches and individual areas separate the men from women as tradition and it is an excellent way to get a glimpse of what these people and their religion is about. There is a spiritual presence there that cannot be denied. L'Chaim to all of you.

A visit to this place should be included when strolling the narrow streets of Charlotte Amalie. The road leading up to the place is pretty steep, but you are rewarded with a nice setting when you make it. Our families first time visit to a synagogue and we were surprised to see that the floor was covered with sand here.