His Majesty the King attended the celebration on Sunday afternoon, September 7, in Amsterdam, marking the 350th anniversary of the Portuguese synagogue.
After the celebration, the King spoke with the chief rabbi, the rabbi, and members of the Portuguese-Israelite community about the history of the community and the synagogue. The King also engaged in discussions with young people about the future of the community.
The Portuguese-Israelite community organized a candlelight concert at the beginning of September to commemorate the anniversary, and from September 8 to September 12, there is a Summer School in the synagogue. Researchers in Jewish history will give lectures about, among other things, the Amsterdam rabbi Da Fonseca, who initiated the construction of the synagogue, and about Samuel Sarphati, who has been declared the greatest Amsterdammer of all time this year.
The Portuguese synagogue was consecrated in 1675 and was the largest synagogue in the world in the 17th century. Amsterdam provided a home for Jews of Portuguese and Spanish descent who had been expelled by the Spanish Inquisition. In Amsterdam, they were allowed to freely practice their Jewish religion and also engage in trade. The original interior of the synagogue is still completely intact, and there is no heating or electricity. The building is illuminated by hundreds of candles in chandeliers. The Portuguese synagogue is in use by the Portuguese-Israelite community, which has been located here since the construction of the complex.
RVD, nr. 237