“Yes, there were synagogues in Toledo, but why they were called as Santa Maria la Blanca or El Tránsito?”
In the evening of Dec 1st (one day before the Hanukah celebration) took place in Madrid the ceremony of 5779 Hanuka Award. This year the Jewish Community of Madrid (CJM) decided to homage to Mr.Juan Ignacio Mesa Ruiz, nowadays the President of REAL FUNDACION DE TOLEDO (Toledo Royal Foundation) whose Honor President is the King of Spain, D.Felipe de Borbón.
The ceremony was very emotive and charming, but I have to highlight one moment, I would say, by far, tha the speech of thanks of Mr.Mesa, where the brilliant awarded also showed himself as great speaker with fresh, warm and extremely sincere words that touch the heart of every attendant.
I would also want to highlight the play of CJM Chorus, an amateur chorus made up of several members of the Jewish Community and very sharply directed by Mercedes Benzaquén. Specially the Hatikva at the Ceremony closing was a ideal touch together with the Spain National Anthem. Congratulations guys!!!
At the end of the speech of Mr. León Benelbas, President of Jewish Community of Madrid, was a reference to the Old Mayor Synagogue of Toledo (Nowadays Santa Maria La Blanca Church/Synagogue) that I really hope that Mr. Mesa has been able to note.