Lisbon Synagogue Ohel Jacob is a history of faith and hope.
It’s the only Ashkenazi Synagogue in Portugal open to the b’nei-anussim (Marranos). It’s considered a progressive Syangogue, oriented by Rabi Alona Lisitsa, and member of the European Union For Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) and World Union For Progressive Judaism (WUPJ).
The Lisbon Synagogue Ohel Jacob was founded by a small group of Ashkenazi Jewish, that arrived from central Europe, and that started to meet at the former Hehaber – Israeli Young Association –, founded as sionist concept, by young Israeli people, in Lisbon, back in 1925. The group of Ashkenazi Jewish, mostly Polish, would have a big role on developing this Syangogue, unique, caracterized by it’s tolerance, and compreension to all Jewish people, from all sectors and oriigns, including the Marranos descendents, – b’nei anussim –, children of forced converted Jewish.
The Synagogue had several different places, always supported by it’s small community in Lisbon. During the 1970’s, it had several problems and started to decline, not having the minian – certain number of persons required for Shabbat and religious cerimonies – , and closed doors temporarily between 1985 and 1998. For a period, only one man, Sapese Noymak, was always present on Saturdays for Shabbat, in case anyone would come.
Then, in 1999, the Synagogue started to rise again, and in 2004 celebrated it’s 80 year aniversary.
Started as an Orthodox community, Ashkenazi heart, and now progressive rite, welcoming everybody in their faith!
I Found out this amazing video, with the whole history of the Ohel Jacob Synagogue. Seat down and take some minutes to view (subtitles in English are available, click “CC” on the bottom of the video):
During 1939-1944, the international port of Lisbon was the only way to get out off Europe. Many German refugees left their books in the synagogue of Ohel Jacob, founded in 1934. In 2016 this Jewish heritage was rediscovered. This film shows the library and explains its general value showing two typical examples: the prayer books of Annie Krieger from Berlin and the sidur of the Bar Mitzvah Paul Max Hechinger from Munich.
Today, the Synagogue is located in a private apartment in Lisbon (address not public for privacy reasons).
If you wish to visit the Ohel Jacob Synagogue, please contact me here, or email [email protected]
Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
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