Jungle Jews

Our family has a deep connection with Costa Rica. During visits, I noticed a growing Jewish ex-pat presence: I heard Hebrew being spoken at the local farmers market, met Jewish families, and discovered our favorite restaurant—Falafel Uvita—run by an Israeli ex-pat. Having grown up at the local JCC in Miami, I realized there was nothing like that there to organize the growing community and bring everyone together in the area.

We reached out to JCC Global and created Jungle Jews in Costa Ballena, a community that connects the three towns: Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal. Our aim is to connect Jews of all ages through cultural events, holiday celebrations, and shared sense of Jewish peoplehood. With oversight by me and a few other members, Jungle Jews continues to offer a space for connection and community in the beautiful Costa Rican jungle!