Education and entertainment are on the agenda as a Thornhill synagogue hosts Night In Jamaica.

The Saturday event, at Temple Har Zion, features a steel band, Jamaican food, dancing and prizes such as a trip for two to Jamaica.

A similar fundrasier last year focused in on the Jews of India.

This year’s event highlights Spanish and Portuguese Jews who, in 1655, sought refuge from the Spanish inquisition in Jamaica.

Jamaica became a country where Jews could escape anti-Semitism and persecution.  

“There will be a marketplace with women doing braids  and selling Judaic stuff, chants and some melodies only Jamaican Jews know,” co-ordinator Shirley Kehimkar said. “So the event is to educate everyone, kind of like a documentary.”

The tickets are $36 and all proceeds go towards family, youth and community programs sponsored by the temple and restoration of the Hunts Bay Cemetery in Jamaica.

The event starts at 6 p.m. at the temple, 7360 Bayview Ave.

Call 416-492-1494 for more information.