Tomar Synagogue
There is evidence of a Jewish community in Tomar in the early 14th Century. The Jewish link in Tomar would have started with the Order of the Knights Templar.
The Synagogue in Tomar is one the oldest surviving Synagogues in Portugal and the best preserved in Europe. It was built in the early part of the 15th Century and today having been restored in1939, it is a small Jewish museum, home to 13th -14th century tombstones, as well as sacred items which have been donated by Jewish communities from around the world.
The original main entrance, which faced east towards Jerusalem, was a Gothic pointed arch. Inside the Synagogue are 4 pillars, representing the ‘four mothers of Israel’, Leah, Rachel, Rebecca,and and Sarah. The pillars support the ceiling of 12 Arches, representing the ‘twelve Tribes of Israel’
The synagogue was in use until 1496 when King Manuel I of Portugal ordered the Jews to either convert to Christianity or to leave Portugal. It then stopped being a house of worship and the next year it was sold. Ironically it later became a prison which at least gave the Jews protection during the expulsion……. they were safe inside!
In 1923 it was bought by a Polish mining engineer, Samuel Schwarz who restored Jewish life in Portugal and took on the cost of restoring the synagogue. Finally in 1939, Samuel donated it to the state so that the building could be converted into a museum. In return he and his wife were granted Portuguese citizenship which protected them during the Second World War.
The Synagogue is just a short walk from the town square ( Praça da Republica ) in Tomar.
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