Kosher and Jewish Life in Odessa

TJT’s guide for kosher and Jewish travelers in Odessa. Information about kosher restaurants, cafes, shops, bakeries or delis, kosher near me location based (GPS) search, & Jewish points of interest, such as shuls, mikvahs, kosher and observant friendly hotels and Jewish community centers in Odessa, Ukraine

^*Jewish Observant Friendly (?)

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About Odessa

Odessa or Odesa is the fourth largest city in Ukraine with a population of 1,003,705. The city is a major seaport and transportation hub located on the north-western shore of the Black Sea. The predecessor of Odessa, a small Tatar settlement, was founded by Hacı I Giray, the Khan of Crimea, in 1440 and originally named after him as "Hacıbey" Odessa has a warm temperate climate. During the tsarist era many wealthy but sickly persons were sent to the city in order to relax and recuperate. This resulted in the development of a spa culture and the establishment of a number of high-end hotels in the city. Flora is of the deciduous variety and Odessa is famous for its beautiful tree-lined avenues which, in the late 19th and early 10th centuries, made the city a favourite year-round retreat for the Russian aristocracy. The city's famous Arkadia beach has long been a favourite place for relaxation, both for the city's inhabitants and its many visitors. This is a large sandy beach which is located to the south of the city centre.

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Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Odessa

The city became the home of a large Jewish community during the 19th century, and by 1897 Jews were estimated to comprise some 37% of the population. Repeatedly subjected to anti-Jewish backlash, many Odessan Jews fled abroad after 1881, particularly to the Ottoman region that became Palestine, and the city became an important base of support for Zionism. The Jewish population rose to 100,000 in 1939 but by 2001 it ws down to 11,400. There are two synagogues in Odessa and three kosher restaurants.

Please note:

Shabbat times on this page are based on the common Candle lighting formulas - in most locations it is 18 minutes before sunset.
Some communities, mostly during Summer, will accept Shabbat earlier than the common times.
It is best to contact the local Rabbi for advise.
If you have any comments or questions regarding Shabbat Times on this page, please contact us

What Is *JOFY?

JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.

Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!