Science, Arts, and Secrets: Lisbon and Belmonte, Portugal
Portugal sits at the western edge of Europe jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Roman and Muslim Rule, as well as the Age of Discovery and the Inquisition, mark the chapters of Portuguese Jewish history with the success and sorrow so familiar to Jews everywhere.
The earliest attested evidence of Portuguese Jewry is the Hebrew inscription “Yehiel” found on a grave marker located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal determined to be from 390 C.E.Sephardic Jewish tradition holds that the community arrived during the Roman era following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. After the fall of the Roman empire, the Jewish community faced persecution under the Visigoth conquerors of the region.
Jewish scholarship flourished during Islamic rule of the Iberian peninsula[1] and Jewish economic and intellectual preeminence in math, science, medicine, art, and philosophy helped drive the Age of Discovery. At one point, Portuguese Jews numbered approximately 200,000 - nearly 20% of the total population! The Inquisition, however, brought forced conversions, persecution, and death to the Jewish community. Today the Jewish population is estimated at less than 1,000.
But ... Portugal had a secret:
In the remote mountain community of Belmonte, a group of Jews hid, preserved their faith and their community, and pretended to be Christians to the outside world. This dangerous existence continued for centuries! Today the Belmonte Jews have revealed themselves, their unique practices, and serve as an incredible testament to survival and faith!
Visiting Lisbon and Belmonte, Discoverers from North America, Israel, and Portugal will witness the legacy of scientific and artistic contributions made by centuries of Portuguese Jews, learn of the sorrows they faced, and connect with the long hidden community in Belmonte. Program highlights will include a visit to the Shaare Tikva (Gates of Hope) Synagogue and the medieval Jewish Quarter in Lisbon. Discoverers will have the opportunity to see the Jewish contributions to Portuguese art in the National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga) and to the Portuguese Age of Discovery in Lisbon’s Belem neighborhood. In Belmonte, Discoverers will visit the Belmonte Jewish museum and learn about the courage and resilience of this unique and, until recently, secret community. A community shabbat service and dinner will feature the important role each Discoverer plays by their participation in Building Bonds of Global Judaism. Other activities will include other aspects of the rich history and culture Portugal has to offer from the delicious pastel de belem custard treats and fado music to the traditional olive growing region.
