By Carolyn and Conceta
*View of the Portuguese Synagogue
The Portuguese Synagogue was built in 1675 by the Portuguese Sephardic Jews. These Jews left Spain and went to Portugal following the expulsion of the Jews by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. They settled in Amsterdam. They were not allowed to join the trade guilds. Despite this they were able to accumulate wealth so that they could build an ostentatious synagogue. They made it so ostentatious to prove they were worthy of being Dutch citizens, and distinguish themselves from the Ashkenazi Jews. The congregants lived in the apartments that surrounded the synagogue. They were free to live in many areas; they weren't confined to ghettos.
*Leo and Kay Ullman at the Portuguese Synagogue next to the recovered couch that was looted during the war time in Amsterdam
The synagogue itself has very tall ceilings and columns. 17th-century candelabra are the only source of light. There is also no heat in the main building. The columns have corinthian capitals and there is a wooden-barrel ceiling. During the Nazi occupation the leather was removed and hidden, but it was found anyway. The mezzanine is the women's gallery, as is usually the case in an Orthodox congregation. It has a Mikva (which is the bath for Jewish emersion rituals), but it is not the original. The surrounding buildings are still used for the congregation, which still has around 450 members. The synagogue has all five elements to make it "kosher" including one damaged section that commemorates the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and reminds us that the world is not perfect.
*The benches and the columns of the Portuguese Synagogue, still standing after four centuries.
Wow! These pictures are amazing! So beautiful. Crazy how they still stand after four centuries!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are gorgeous! I wish there were more to share!
ReplyDeleteThe synagogue is a beautiful piece of history. It is so interesting learning about the background behind a place that was built so long ago. I can see with the pictures you've posted that they have left the synagogue as is to age in all its beauty and not restore anything. Each aging spot in this synagogue tells a story. After being built in 1675 its incredible how well kept it is!!
ReplyDeleteWow the synagogue looks amazing. Such beautiful photos on this post. I find it amazing that it is still well intact after all these years. The history behind the synagogue is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe synagogue looks absolutely beautiful! Its fascinating how it has still kept its condition even after all of these years. After four centuries those walls can definitely tell some incredible stories.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are absolutely beautiful. It is amazing how even after all this time and destruction, the synagogue has most of its original features. I could only imagine the feelings you get walking through this synagogue. Great post and thank you so much for sharing these pictures!
ReplyDeleteI think it is really interesting that they chose to keep a section of the structure damaged to highlight the destruction of the Synagogue in Jerusalem; this is a great way to make a meaningful memorial while also intriguing visitors enough that many will want do further research on the subject. From the pictures alone you can tell that the building is vast and an important piece of history.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely stunning. The fact that there is a looted couch displayed in an already remarkable interior shows how to embrace and remember the unfortunate occurrences.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible. The wood work is so immaculate, I am amazed that it has remained so beautiful through all that this building has experienced, and since 1675! That would be almost unheard of in the United States. I love old buildings, I would love to visit this synagogue if I ever get the chance. Can you view any of the old apartments, or are they all still occupied?
ReplyDeleteWow, this is so cool. Your pictures also provide a lot of detail so I was able to get a good view of what the Synagogue really looks like. The history behind it is also really cool as wel. That being said, I would love to one day view sights like this and go on trip exploring parts of Europe. When it comes to education seeing real places can really open up persepctive to what is being tuaght. All in all, I thank you for sharing just a historic bulding and spreading knowledge on it.
ReplyDeleteFascinating! The architecture of the Portuguese Synagogue is unlike any if ever seen. The combination of stone and wood is beautiful. The pictures you provided supported your writing as I was able to imagine the Sephardic Jewish people in the synagogue performing the rituals you described. Thank you for sharing the history and views!
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