Sephardic Jews in Portugal—Past, Present and Future

From the “Golden Age” of Spanish and Portuguese Jewry to the present, the Sephardic community has been a vital contributor to Jewish and Western culture. An integral part of medieval Iberia, the Jews of Portugal experienced periods of great creativity as well as tragedy until their fateful forced conversion and expulsion in 1497.

This Jewish Museum tour will bring to life the culture, heritage, and tradition of the Jews of Portugal. In the bustling city of Oporto with its medieval Jewish quarter; in Belmonte with its newly established Jewish community; and in cosmopolitan Lisbon, we will explore the nature of Sephardic identity in its Portuguese context. Along the way, we will see the varied faces of Portuguese Jewry today, many of whom descended directly from those 15th century Jews who passed hints of their religious tradition from generation to generation for almost 500 years. Only recently, have they been able to fully reclaim their Jewish identity and their place within broader Portuguese society.

Accompanied by noted scholar Dr. Jane Gerber, we will immerse ourselves in the rich heritage and creativity of Sephardic culture as we learn about the history and tradition of the Jews of Portugal. Together, we will experience breathtaking countryside, picturesque medieval mountain towns, fishing villages, and magnificent beaches.

Program Land Cost: $6,300* (plus Jewish Museum Membership for non-members) *Based on double occupancy; air available at $525 (taxes/fuel surcharge, and gratuities additional). Single supplement: $1,650. Cost of program subject to change based on currency fluctuation.

For more information, including a day-by-day itinerary and description of this program, please contact The Jewish Museum Travel office at (845) 256-0194, or e-mail: JMtravelinfo@aol.com