Lisbon is the largest and main center of Jewish life officially recognized in 1912, but there are also communities in Oporto, Belmonte and Algarve. The total Jewish population of Portugal is around 1500 / 1800. Until the 12th century, when Portugal began to emerge as an entity separate from Spain, Portuguese Jewry's historical experiences were essentially the same as those of Spanish Jewry, dating back to Roman times. The Church, however, developed a deep hostility toward Judaism. The Black Death in 1350 presented the Church with an opportunity to vent its antisemitic anger. By blaming Jews for the spread of the malady, anti-Jewish riots were sparked in many cities and towns. From this point onwards, Portuguese Jews suffered from diminishing protection and tolerance. The only Jews to return to Portugal after the Inquisition were the descendants of Sephardic Jews who returned to mainland Portugal in 1810. Some settled in the Portuguese islands of the Azores. The Jewish Community of Oporto, founded 90 years ago, adheres to Orthodox religious practice. The community maintains a prayer room, mikveh, museum, school, library, a kosher communal kitchen and dining room, a pantry to house kosher food, and a terrace upon which the community Sukkah is erected during. Chabad maintains two houses in Portugal, one in Lisbon the other in Cascais. There is also a kosher Bed and Breakfast in Lisbon.

Check out our blog post, Portugal’s Centuries of Secret Jewish History Revealed, to help you plan your kosher vacation to Portugal, written by expert tour guide.