Jews arrived in Burma, now Myanmar, from the early 19th century but it was not until the 1870s, that these were sufficient Jews to form a proper community. They built the Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue in 1896, in Rangoon (Yangon). The community once had 126 Sifrei Torah, a Talmud Torah, and numerous charitable and communal organizations.

A second synagogue, Beth El, was opened in 1932, but has since disappeared. Some 700 graves are found in the well-kept cemetery on 91st Street.

The community was decimated when the Japanese conquered Burma, driving most of Burma’s 1,200 Jews to Calcutta. About 500 returned after the war, until there was a coup in 1962. After this time, the position of minorities in Burma generally deteriorated, so most of the Jews left.

As of 2002, 20 Jews remained in Yangon, the capital city but this is supplemented by 80-100 ex pats from around the world. The synagogue is maintained but the last regular Shabbat service was held in 1965. Burma’s last rabbi left in 1969.

While open for all festivals, a minyan is obtained only with assistance from Israeli, American and Canadian diplomats and tourists during the High Holy days.