Abigail

Hello, my name is Abigail Jottar Sanabria and I am one of the members of the group of guides at the Justo Sierra 71 Synagogue.
Sharing stories and photographs from the early and mid-20th century, from a tour of the Jewish Quarter, is a cultural delight. From the moment I put on my shoes, I prepare my memory and a few theatrical tricks to transport each visitor to this time of the past, giving free rein to the imagination as they walk the streets of Mexico's Jewish Quarter. It becomes a day with special meaning, for the opportunity to tell—and, if there's more magic, to hear stories firsthand, about past experiences from those people who arrived with nothing and had to build an uncertain present, one filled with pleasant surprises, for the most part.
One of my favorite places to visit is "the steps," near where the Roldán irrigation ditch was, although in the timeline that concerns us, anecdotes are revived such as that of the woman who came from Poland to America and opened a store where she sold everything that had to do with Jewish tradition and food and which was also a space where they exchanged recipes, experiences, news, mutual support, laughter and the occasional Yiddish saying with that rich, intelligent and elegant double meaning or the story of a man who started selling bread on a bicycle, prospered, opened a bakery, a strike closed it and then wealth favored him and then he was a great representative and activist in the Jewish community of that time. Currently, it has a colorful urban feel, there are graffiti, movement, shouts of merchants and aromas like the surrounding "garnachas", the occasional curious over-the-top drink, and sometimes, it is the meeting point when I play a character: "Bashe, the Jewish immigrant from the 20th century" for the dramatized tour that this beautiful venue also offers.

The experience with Abigail during our visit to the Roma neighborhood was super pleasant and welcoming. She explained everything in great detail. It was truly like being transported back in time, imagining how our grandparents and great-grandparents lived there. 100% recommended.
Alice, from Mexico 2025