What if stones could speak? What tales would the walls of the Sinagoga Kadoorie in Porto tell? Inaugurated in 1938, the Sinagoga Kadoorie stands as the largest synagogue in the Iberian Peninsula. It is more than a building. It is a testament to faith and resilience.
The story of the Sinagoga Kadoorie begins in 1923. The Jewish community in Porto sought to establish a formal place of worship. Captain Artur Barros Basto emerged as a key figure. He was a convert to Judaism. He dreamed of uniting the Marranos. These were the descendants of Jews forced to convert to Christianity.
Before the Sinagoga Kadoorie was built, religious needs required a trip to Lisbon. There were at least twenty Ashkenazi Jews in Porto. Captain Barros Basto registered the Comunidade Israelita do Porto. The community met in a house on Rua Elias Garcia. He also founded the newspaper Ha-Lapid.
In 1929, fundraising began to convert the Marranos. An application was submitted to the municipal council. Construction started weeks later. Artur de Almeida Júnior and Augusto dos Santos Malta were the architects. Rogério de Azevedo designed the interior.
Progress was slow due to lack of funds. Then, Laura Kadoorie died in 1933. She was the wife of Sir Elly Kadoorie. He was a Jewish philanthropist from Iraq. Her sons honored her memory. They donated significantly to the synagogue’s construction. It was then named Sinagoga Kadoorie Mekor Haim.
The Sinagoga Kadoorie became a haven during World War II. Hundreds of refugees passed through its doors. They were fleeing Nazi persecution. They sought safety in the United States and elsewhere.
However, Captain Barros Basto faced adversity. He was expelled from the Portuguese army. This was because of his involvement in circumcisions. He died in 1961.
In 2012, the Sinagoga Kadoorie opened its doors to the public. The Jewish Museum of Porto was established in 2015. This further opened the community to the world.
The Sinagoga Kadoorie stands on Rua Guerra Junqueiro. Its architecture features Art Deco elements. The main hall has a domed ceiling. Hebrew passages and Moroccan-Sephardic decorations adorn the interior.
Today, the community includes Jews from diverse backgrounds. They come from Poland, Egypt, and beyond. Rabbi Daniel Litvak leads the congregation. Isabel Ferreira Lopes serves as vice president. She is the granddaughter of Captain Barros Basto.
In recent years, the community connected with the Jewish world. They established a beit din. They also created structures for kashrut. The Sinagoga Kadoorie actively combats anti-Semitism. It offers courses for teachers. It also cooperates with various organizations.
The Sinagoga Kadoorie maintains an ecumenical approach. They foster relationships with Catholic and Muslim communities. Together they work on joint projects.
However, the synagogue faced challenges. In 2023, it was vandalized with pro-Palestinian slogans.
The Sinagoga Kadoorie remains a symbol of Jewish life in Porto. It shows resilience. It demonstrates a commitment to community and faith. As you stand before this building consider its layers of history. Consider its enduring spirit.