“The most beautiful and grandiose of the synagogues that the Jews had in Spain”
Amador de los Ríos. Historian
There is no doubt that the past 11 December 2018 (3 Tevet 5779) will be remembered as a milestone in the relations between the Catholic Church of Spain and the Jewish Community of this country.
In an intimate and welcoming ceremony, a representative the Archbishop of Toledo addressed the audience in a very affectionate and open tone, speaking of this ancient Greater Synagogue of Toledo.
David Hatchwell, as President of the HispanoJudia Foundation, responded in other words with a message of Peace and Concord.
The event was closed by the famous Israeli singer Noa (Achinoam Nini), who delighted the attendees with 3 magnificent performances that gave proof, not only of his excellence as a singer, but of the powerful acoustic capacity of the Major Synagogue of Toledo.
Rabbi Moshe Bendahan, Spain Chief Rebbi, recited a Psalm of King David Book and a Kaddish, Jewish prayer for the Memory of those who are not alive, and translated into Spanish. This was a magical moment that had not taken place in this Synagogue since 1412.
Among those attending this ceremony were Milagros Tolón, Mayoress of Toledo, Alberto Ruiz Gallardón, former Minister of Justice and Vice President of the Hispanic Jewish Foundation, Stuart Weitzman, member of the Jewish Hispanic Foundation and Javier Cremades, founding partner of the Cremades & Calvo-Sotelo Lawyers.
In the year 2006, the joining of the efforts from Spain central and local government, and EU Authorities, was able to create “Centro Sefarad Israel” (Sefarad-Israel Centre). This Public Institution is dedicated to promote the development of the friendship and cooperation between the Spanish and Israel societies on one hand; on the other hand Centro Sefarad Israel also research about the Sephardic Culture as a alife area of the Spanish Culture.
This Sunday, 7th day of Hanukkah we had a special Shachrit at Or Hayeladim Congregation. This nice Congregation in the North East of Madrid is running for 16 years already offering a Modern Orthodox Jewish atmosphere everyday and taking special care about kids learning.
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Last week, I had the opportunity to see the Musical show “The Phisician” (“El Médico”) in Madrid, based on the Noah Gordon´s novel with the same title.
December 3rd 1763: Foundation of Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island-MA-.
Again this year we can see how the Jewish Community of Ceuta, this small city in North Africa (by the way my birthplace), lighted the Hanukah in the street showing the miracle to all the city inhabitants. Good job guys!!!
“On the 25th of Tishrei, 5671 (1910) we have arrived, ten men and two women, to receive the inventory from the “labor conquest group”. We have proceeded to establish an independent settlement of Jewish workers in the national homeland – a Commune.”
I would like to highlight only December 1st 1347 as the date in which the Back Death arrived to Europe from the commercial routes of Asia through the ports of Messina, Genoa and Venice. The origin of thi disease was the North of India and only in one year finished with one third of the european population.