The "Neve Shalom" synagogue in Paramaribo, Surinam, built in 1975. The sand on the floor reflects a custom of communities of "the Nation" (Spanish and Portuguese descent) in the Carribean. Different explanations for this tradition include: to memorialize the wandering of the Jews in the desert; as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple and the Land of Israel— or perhaps just to prevent dampness and bugs.

Photographer: Micha Bar-Am.

Institution: Mordechai Arbell Collection, Diaspora Museum, Tel Aviv.