7 Unique Jewish Scenes in Taos, New Mexico

by Kosher River Cruise Kosher Tour Operator

Taos, New Mexico, is a town known for its rich Native American and Hispanic influences, but it also has a strong Jewish presence. The area has been home to Jewish people since the late 19th century and today there are many ways to explore its unique identity through kosher vacations and other ways.

Taos is an ideal destination for a holiday weekend or a weeklong vacation. The four-and-a-half hour drive from Denver is stunning, with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and quaint towns along the way.

The northern New Mexico town of Taos is known for its diverse culture, art scene and great skiing. But few people know that it’s also home to a unique Jewish community. With just three congregations and only two synagogues, the Jewish community of Taos, population more than 5,700, is tiny.

Still, the handful of members here are proud of their unique cultural heritage — and they’re happy to share it with visitors. If you’re planning a trip to Taos in the future, here are some things you should check out:

1. The Taos Jewish Center

Built in 1894 as the First Methodist Church, this red-brick building is one of the oldest operating synagogues in New Mexico. It also has a rich history — among other things, it was used as a Civil War hospital during battles between Union and Confederate forces.

Today it’s home to the Taos Jewish Center, an Orthodox synagogue that offers Friday night services every week at 7 p.m., as well as holiday celebrations and other events throughout the year.

2. Taos Pueblo

The Taos Pueblo is a fascinating place to visit at any time of year, but it's even more special during Passover when they hold an annual matzah-baking ceremony where locals mix flour and water in a large communal bowl, knead it into dough and bake it in their traditional hornos (clay ovens). The baked matzah is then shared with guests at the end of the baking ceremony.

3. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is one of the most impressive feats of engineering in New Mexico; after all, it takes some serious engineering skills to ensure that such an incredible bridge doesn't collapse from the weight of traffic passing over it every day!

4. The Jewish Plaza

The Jewish Plaza is located on Kit Carson Road behind the Taos Jewish Center. It is a large plaza surrounded by several historic buildings and monuments, including the Kit Carson Museum, the Kit Carson Memorial Library, and several other historic buildings.

The plaza was designed by architect Antonin Raymond and built in 1932 as part of a series of public works projects under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program.

5. Santa Fe

The capital of New Mexico is a major attraction for Jewish travelers, and with good reason: The city has a rich Jewish history that dates back to the 19th century when it was founded as a trading hub for camels, and it remains a center for Western Judaism today.

6. White Sands National Monument

Located about an hour from Las Cruces, this unique national park is made up entirely of white gypsum sand dunes — some as high as 60 feet tall. Visitors can take a day trip to explore the park on foot or by tram, or they can stay overnight at one of three primitive campgrounds.

7. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a collection of ancient ruins in San Juan County, New Mexico that were the center of a Native American culture dating back to 700 AD. The largest structures of the park are the Great Houses, which were home to many families and included several stories, hundreds of rooms, and dozens of kivas.

Cultural events are held throughout the year at the park, including astronomy programs, tours, and workshops. The closest town is Grants, NM, which has several hotels and motels. It's one of the spots to complete your tour on Glatt kosher holidays.