September 2010 Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino opened the first Kosher kitchen in the Caribbean. Local Rabbi Ariel Yeshurun was recruited by the Marriott to oversee construction of the kitchen. The Rabbi directed the installation of new equipment and the purchase of new cookware, china, glasses, and silverware to meet dietary laws. After spending $100,000 the Curaçao hotel is now set for kosher events.
Jose Castillo, the resort’s Director of Sales said, “Our motivation was to provide all of our patrons great food and beverage experience while showing a high level of respect and understanding of traditions and requirements.” He then introduced the Rabbi saying, “He loves to talk.” But, c’mon, what clergyman doesn’t? Sure enough, for every one question, the Rabbi answered for ten. With a warm and authoritative air he conveyed a great love for his work and congregation. “You marry them and bury them,” he said. “You’re everything to them—psychologist, friend, teacher.” When asked who he turns to when he needs support he said, “My wife, she is a woman of valor.”
There are two Jewish congregations on the island. One is the newly built Shaarei Tsedek Ashkenazic Orthodox Jewish Community—Herman and Miriam Tauber Jewish Center (shaareitsedekcuracao.com). This was Rabbi Yeshurun’s dream project. “I wanted to build a proper, permanent synagogue for my congregation.” He persevered despite doubt from the community and board members who thought the magnitude of the project made it a pipe dream. The Rabbi served as fundraiser, accountant, planner, designer and overseer for the 50,000- foot space. A sizeable donation from the Taubers, members of his congregation, helped make his dream come true. Several million dollars later there now stands a modern Orthodox synagogue, with air conditioning, 180 seats of fine wood, and an illuminating glass dome ceiling.