Rediscovering Portugal’s Forgotten Jewish Story — and Why It Matters Today
When people think of Jewish history in Europe, their minds often turn to Rome’s Jewish ghetto or Eastern Europe’s shtetls. But tucked along the Iberian coast lies another, equally profound chapter — the Jewish story of Portugal. It is a history marked by extraordinary achievement, deep tragedy, and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire Jewish travelers and scholars alike.
Let’s travel back to 1492, the year of the Spanish Inquisition. What was happening in Iberia at that time?
The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478 by Ferdinand and Isabella, was a state-led effort to enforce Catholic orthodoxy in Spain. It targeted Jews, Muslims, and later Protestants, compelling conversions and punishing those suspected of secretly practicing their faith. Those who refused conversion faced expulsion, persecution, or execution. The Inquisition profoundly reshaped Iberian society and set the stage for similar policies in neighboring Portugal, where the pressure to convert or flee soon followed.
On this guided tour, you’ll learn about the Jews of Portugal, who were part of the broader Sefarad — the Jews of the Iberian Peninsula — whose Golden Age in medieval Spain and Portugal produced towering figures in science, philosophy, poetry, and commerce. By the 15th century, Lisbon and Porto were home to vibrant Jewish quarters, thriving trade networks, and centers of Torah study.
Over the past several years, JHA has partnered with the Jewish Community of Lisbon and especially the dynamic Porto Jewish Community to offer research, public education, and cultural events. Our webinars, such as The Secret Jews of Portugal and The Miracle of the Portuguese Jewish Revival, have reached thousands of viewers worldwide, sparking new interest in this once-overlooked history.
I reached out to Michael Steinberger, founder of JHA, who explains that Jewish history is powerful when you read it; it’s unforgettable when you walk it. That’s why for nearly five years, JHA has offered immersive Portugal Heritage Alliance – Portugal Jewish History Tours. These journeys invite participants to stand where Jewish philosophers once debated, explore the preserved Jewish quarter of Belmonte, and step inside the magnificent Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue in Porto — one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula.
What can you share with me about your Portugal Heritage Alliance Tours?
Steinberger:
Our tours are led by Dr. Peter Tarlow, an academic leader, respected authority on Sefarad history, and an internationally recognized figure in tourism. Dr. Tarlow’s deep expertise brings each site to life, blending historical insight with vivid storytelling, and making the experience as intellectually enriching as it is emotionally moving.
Our next departure, November 4–13, 2025, is a carefully curated blend of Jewish and general Portuguese heritage. It’s a chance to trace the steps of the exiled, celebrate the resilience of the conversos, and witness the remarkable Jewish revival happening in Portugal today — all under the guidance of one of the field’s most respected voices.
Why Portugal’s Jewish Story Matters Now?
Steinberger:
In a time when Jewish communities around the world face challenges to identity and continuity, Portugal’s story offers a reminder: heritage can be lost to time, but it can also be reclaimed. Through memory, scholarship, and travel, we can honor the Sefarad legacy — not just as a historical curiosity, but as a living inheritance.
Whether you join us in Porto’s bustling Jewish center, light Shabbat candles in Lisbon, or wander the narrow medieval lanes of Trancoso, the message is the same: the Jewish presence in Portugal is not only a thing of the past — it’s alive, vibrant, and ready to be embraced again.
For more about Jewish Heritage Alliance and our Portugal Heritage Alliance Tours, visit https://jewishheritagealliance.com/jewish-portugal-nov-04-13-2025-2/
