Norwegian Jewry is centered in Oslo, but there is also a small community in Trondheim (120, mostly elderly). Some 500 Jews, about half of them Israelis, are not affiliated with the community.

When Norway was invaded by Germany in 1940, 1,800 Jews were living in Norway; all but 200 were Norwegian citizens. When the army surrendered and the state was taken over by the collaborationist government led by Quisling, Nazi demands for anti-Jewish legislation were accepted and implemented quickly. In 1942 when the Germans requested that Norwegian Jews be sent to Nazi concentration camps, the government complied by sending 770 Jews; 760 were killed in death camps. The Norwegian underground succeeded in smuggling 900 Jews across the Swedish border to safety. In 1996 after revelations in the media and public pressure the Ministry of Justice appointed a commission to examine the issue of restitution of Jewish property confiscated by the Quisling regime.

The Mosaiske Trossamfund (Mosaic Community) represents the Jews of Norway. There is one rabbi in Norway, who officiates at the synagogue in Oslo and who also supervises the kosher food shop in the capital (shechita is prohibited). Some 150 to 200 people attend shabbat services. There is a second synagogue in Trondheim. The Oslo community runs a kindergarten and an after-hours Hebrew school for primary and secondary school students. There are local chapters of B'nai B'rith, WIZO, and the Union of Jewish Women. B'nai Akiva organizes seminars and camps for all ages. Maccabi is also active. The community owns a country estate that is used for summer camps and shabbat seminars. In 1988 a Jewish old-age home was opened. The Oslo community produces a magazine called Hatikwa.

For up to date information on Kosher restaurants and locations please see the Shamash Kosher Database