These narrow streets still evoke the spirit of the generations of Portuguese Jews who once lived and flourished there.
A
s the Jewish community grew more, a new Judiaria Pequena was formed in the 13th century near what is now known as the central Praça do Comércio.
Unfortunately, the entire area was completely destroyed because of a devastating earthquake in 1755.
We visited the Rossio square.
It was there that the court of the Inquisition convicted Jews and many others accused of heresy.
Both before and after conviction they were jailed and tortured, and many ultimately burned at the stake.
Jews who didn't leave Portugal avoided expulsion because they converted to Christianity.
Many of the Jews continued to secretly practice their Judaism and the "New Christians" were always suspected of continued heresy.
We visited the site of the Jewish Lisbon Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the 1506 Jewish Massacre "Lisbon Pogrom," or the "1506 Easter Slaughter".
The Memorial is located at the historic square Largo de Sao Domingos.
The square is adjacent to the Igreja de Sao Domingos church.
The Blood Libel was commonly utilized by the Church during the time of Passover/ Easter.
Accusing Jews of being the "Killers of Christ"...utilizing blood in the baking of the matzah...causing plague and drought...all were commonly taught by Catholic priests within church walls.
In 1506, this prompted the massacre of the "New Christians" with approximately 4000 Jews murdered.
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