The Jewish community dates back to 1609. Jews Bay (marked on an early survey as Jewes Bay), dates back to the early 1600s, and is considered to be named after a group of Jews who did business on the island. Due to the harsh policies of the English toward Jews on the island in the 18th century, few Jews moved there.

A law adopted by the Bermuda Colony in 1694 was titled “An Act Laying an Imposition on all Jews, and reputed Jews, Trading or Merchandising on These Islands.” It levied a five pound tax on any Jew, or “reputed Jew” wanting to do business in Bermuda. This was repealed in 1760, as it was bad for business.

In 1937, five of the eight major hotels in Bermuda barred Jews as guests. Following the war, many European Jews immigrated to the island, especially in the 1950s and 60s, but even then, they were not well received.

In April 1943, Bermuda hosted a secret Bermuda Conference which discussed methods of rescuing European Jews from the Nazis. Bermuda officials avoided the Jewish survivor topic and no offers were made to help.

A Jewish congregation was formally established in the 20th century in the capital of Hamilton, as a result of a United States Naval Base situated on the island. In the past, the congregation consisted mainly of naval officers and their families. Other Jews on the island were always welcomed to join in the Services provided by the Base.

The community is now made up solely of Bermudian residents and their families,  expatriates and other transient families. It is primarily a Reform/Conservative Community with a visiting Conservative Rabbi. There is no current permanent synagogue or rabbi. Today, the Jewish community in Bermuda numbers at about 120 members. It  has a building where it can conduct services, hold events and house its Hebrew School.