Bermuda and the Bahamas are included even though our Bahamian friends remind us that their islands are located in the Atlantic. On the last part of the trip we will tour Portugal, albeit a small country but with a great variety of sights and sites to see ranging from a spectacular beachfront strip along the Atlantic Ocean lined with ancient fishing villages through impressive mountain ranges, abundant forests, vineyards and picturesque little villages along the Doro Valley. The congregation right after the conclusion of Yom Kippur. From there well continue to Porto, the capital of the north, the second largest city in Portugal and its most important port. During the cruise we will visit some of the islands, notably Tenerife, the largest and most popular, rich in green landscapes on one side, while on the other side well find brown beaches and volcanic scenery. The first wave of Jewish immigration to these islands dates back to the end of the fifteenth century. Although we do our best to keep the website updated, establishments listed on Jewish Europe are not guaranteed to be still operating or Kosher. The major centers of Jewish life in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. In the heady pre-pandemic days of 2019, Tenerife welcomed more than 6 million visitors. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of return from the trip, I AGREE TO RECIEVE INFORMATION ABOUT TRIPS AND SALES, Than obtaining information about trips and promotions, Where do you want to travel?Phone number*, I aprove recieving e-mails from kesher tours, On the worlds most famous luxury liner Queen Elizabeth, Including a week in Portugal. Wine from vines grown on unirrigated slopes formed the staple product until 1853. Statistic cookies help us understand how visitors interact with this website, for example seeing which pages are most popular. Representatives of the Jewish Community of Spain were present at the 1936 inaugural WJC Plenary in Geneva. Africa.Since the Canary Islands were taken over by Spain after the Expulsion of 1492, the first Jewish immigrants to the Canary Islands were *Conversos from Spain and Portugal seeking refuge from the Inquisition and persecution. Though not physically threatened, these people live under a shadow of uncertainty, a nagging reminder of the long and mostly painful history of their people, This is the reality currently facing the Jews of Las Palmas, the largest and most organized Jewish community in Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean west of North Africa. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Dessert typically consists of fresh fruits. All Rights Reserved. The division in autonomous regions and communities of Spain is also reflected in the life of the Jewish community. Area 2,875 square miles (7,447 square km). Omissions? Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. The Chassidic man Annas daughter saw was Rabbi Noam Rosen, who together with his wife,Chava, will be establishingChabad of the Canary Islands-Tenerife. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Gorgeous Canary Island Weather. This is pure relaxation time to enjoy the ships many facilities and to pamper ourselves. Coiumbra has the oldest local university in Portugal and the library of King Joao, which is built in Baroque style with about 300,000 antique books. Accompanying persons between 12 and 17 years old are exempt. Tenerife, Spain. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Today we will tour the city and visit the Jewish Museum, which offers a wonderful display of Jewish tradition and Jewish life during the period of the Inquisition. We will see the Tower of Belem and the monument to the explorers of Portugal. Only time will tell, I* It is noteworthy to mention that Crypto-Judaism pre-dates the Spanishand Portuguese Inquisitions. (Photo taken by B.I.) At breakfast, we prepare our lunches so that people have their choice as to what they eat for lunch. gobcan.es Wikivoyage Wikipedia Photo: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Public domain. Chabad of Tenerife is more than just a synagogue. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. At Las Palmas city, for example, the average afternoon temperature in August is in the high 70s F (about 26 C), while in January it drops to about 70 F (21 C). Take a dip in the pool or play some tennis, sit at the bay window while reading in the library, marvel at the art works in the gallery, share a cappuccino with friends in the coffee shop, enjoy a massage in the spa, score a few wins in the casino, go to the movies or take in a show. These remain the sole responsibility of the airline company. Please use the following structure: example@domain.com, Send me The Times of Israel Daily Edition. Other Cities: JewishParis.org | JewishPrague.org | JewishVienna.org | JewishWarsaw.org |, Map All areas outside Cumbre Vieja are safe to visit, as they were not affected by the lava. The islands are unique due to their comfortable climate most of the year. This is so important to us, says Rubi Peretz. Surfers, windsurfers, scuba divers and sunbathers all flock to different shores to revel in the gnarly waves, vibrant underwater world and soft sands. In Spanish North Africa, Jews reside in Ceuta and Melilla. It was so sad., The next thing she knew, we were sitting around a table with 35 people forRosh Hashanah. We usually serve hard boiled eggs and sometimes scrambled eggs or omelets. and what a beautiful way to spend a relaxing Shabbat on board, along with Shabbat services, scrumptious Shabbat meals, lectures and shiurim. It's slightly warmer in the summer when highs hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Other Countries: JewishArgentina.net | JewishAustria.com | JewishFrance.org | JewishGermany.org | JewishGreece.org| JewishIsrael.info | JewishJapan.net | JewishNetherlands.com | JewishSlovakia.org | JewishPoland.net | JewishUkraine.org Indeed, Spain serves as a refuge for a number of Nazi war criminals and neo-Nazis convicted elsewhere of promoting racial hatred or historical revisionism. Kosher food is available in Spain and groups such as WIZO and B'nai B'rith are also active. Well take a walk in Funchal, the capital, where well visit the Mercado dos Labradors the main farmers market where fruits, vegetables and fish are sold. This second group of Jewish immigrants was able to defy the Spanish and Portuguese not only by continuing to preserve their Judaism in secret but by marrying Old Christians who ended up converting to Judaism. Fax: +34 91 391 57 17 If you have more information, please share it. Because we are not ready to compromise on kashrut, we may not always be able to use a five star hotel. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. At their closest point to the African mainland, they are 100 kilometres west of Morocco. A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19. Many restaurants on Fuerteventura serve up local goat cheese called majorero. Do note these policies are current as of this writing but are subject to change at any time. From Guarda well continue to Belmonte, built around a 13th century fortress. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Of course, the Canary Islands are packed with visitors year-round especially from other European countries that don't see quite as much sunshine. Spanish neutrality in World War II allowed 25,600 Jews to use Spain as a getaway, with Franco allowing Jews to use the country as an escaping route. in Today isFri. Fax: +34 1 564 5974. Air-conditioned bus for all tours and transfers according to plan Smaller islands like El Hierro, La Palma or La Gomera may . The islands rich volcanic soils and mild temperatures support a wide variety of vegetation that generally follows a zonal arrangement based on elevation. Kashrut is of utmost importance to us and we take special measures to ensure that everything served is kosher. The ship was launched in 2010, weighing 91,000 tons. It is said that Christopher Columbus anchored here at the beginning of his expedition to discover what would become known as America. Christopher Columbus replenished all four of his westbound fleets in the Canaries, which became an indispensable Spanish base on sea routes to the Americas. People want to connect with them.. CANARY ISLANDS. If discovered still practicing Judaism, these Conversos, or New Christians popularly called marranos (pigs) by the non-Jewish population were jailed and burned at the stake. There was nothing, no community framework. All these create the magical and special atmosphere in this country. Cookies allow us to understand how you use this site and improve your experience. Lanserote, La Palma de Gran Canaria, Tenerife. Chabad-Lubavitch establishes a new center on Spanish territory near Morocco Walking down the street just before Rosh Hashana in Puerto de la Cruz, a city on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, Anna saw a Chassidic-looking man walking down the street. We require our hotels to allow us to work in the kitchen and to supervise the cooking and there are many hotels that are not willing to cooperate. Under Muslim rule, Jews and Christians were granted with the status of dhimmi, that is, protected non-Muslims accorded special status. Mandatory cookies help make this website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. Other Countries: JewishArgentina.net | JewishAustria.com | JewishFrance.org | JewishGermany.org | JewishGreece.org| JewishIsrael.info | JewishJapan.net | JewishNetherlands.com | JewishSlovakia.org | JewishPoland.net | JewishUkraine.org Having been familiar with Chabad for 20 years and its vast worldwide network, I was wondering why there wasnt one on Tenerife, he says. Ashkenazi Jews (primarily from Latin America, but also of European origin) have also arrived in Spain over the last several decades. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. After breakfast we will drive to the old town of Tomar to visit the ancient synagogue that was built in 1430 and named after Abraham, a Jewish astronomer and mathematician whose name has been given to one of the craters on the moon. A relatively small number of Jews settled in Spain during the 19th century, and they opened synagogues in Barcelona and Madrid in the first decades of the 20th century. The Canary Islands have sunny, warm temps year-round and it rarely rains. Then its down to the Orutava Valley to visit the charming town of La Ortua where the local aristocracy resides. The latter mentions Canaria, so called from the multitude of dogs [canes] of great size. In 999 the Arabs landed and traded on Gran Canaria. Take a tour of the many faces of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands and explore the bustling and vibrant city and awe-inspiring works of nature. From there well make our way to Obidos. You can check the status of which countries are at risk. Reportedly, in the Canaries there is a sinagoga on La Palma Island, but none on Tenerife Island, although there are a few Jews living on the latter. More Jews arrived from Morocco in the last century and even had a synagogue in Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the islands. Many had never met before, says Peretz. The Rosens visited Tenerife for theHigh Holidays, and when theTorah scroll was dusted off for use during services, the community theyd brought together was moved beyond words. We never dreamed it and then we had 18 kids sitting together on the floor with Chava!, You think youre alone, adds her husband, and suddenly, you see this., You must be logged in to post a comment We will also visit Lanzarote with its rich and breathtaking volcanic scenery; Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands and the island of La Palma. Though it's typically warm at sea level, bring along layers and warm clothing if you plan to hike in the Canaries or visit the Teide volcano temperatures can vary up to 30 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit at different elevations on all the islands. Many Conversos escaped to Europe, the Ottoman Empire and even to Latin America, where many of them could again practice Judaism openly. The cochineal industry declined (because of competition from synthetic dyes) in the late 19th century and was replaced by the cultivation of bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables and fruits. Assembling a Congregation, Seemingly out of Nowhere. It contains the oldest synagogue that was recently restored. During the 13th and 14th centuries Genoese, Majorcan, Portuguese, and French navigators visited the islands. For dinners, we serve either fish or meat (usually chicken) as our main course. Between 1420 and 1479 a Portuguese force subdued Gomera. It is part of a plain building, just like any other on that same block Their. When it comes to ground transportation, all of the airports offer some combination of taxis, car rental agencies and buses. We will walk through paved alleys and hear about the community that lived here before and accepted Christianity by royal decree. Bar complex But we'd argue that the Canaries are as much about the four natural parks as they are about beaches and resorts. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. This information is collected anonymously and helps us improve the site by making the most sought after information easy to find. The first canaries that settled on the island arrived in 1492, coming from the ships of Christopher Columbus (three of Columbus's four voyages passed through the Canary Islands). The recent arrival of Jewish families from Latin America, where Reform and Progressive Judaism are popular, has contributed to changing religious traditions amongst Spanish Jews. In many destinations we have our own dishes and silverware. A law aiming to correct the historical mistake of the expulsion, murder and forced conversion of Jews to Catholicism during the Spanish Inquisition was passed by the Spanish parliament in 2015. Rosen wrapstefillinwith an Israeli tour guide on the island. Hebrew University demographer Sergio DellaPergola estimated the Spanish Jewish community to number between 11,700 and 18,000 as of 2007. Today we will anchor on the island of Tenerife. But the reward for accepting the challenge is the amazing view of the surrounding landscapes that are revealed.. At the end of the visit we will continue to the fishermans town of Nazare, located on an impressive cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. But as the years went by, the community struggled to stay afloat. before sunset | +0 GMT Make this my default location Shabbat begins Use default for this location minutes before sunset Shabbat ends Astronomical calculation We will visit the district of Belem, (Bethlehem in Portugues) a quarter built on the waterfront and where the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is buried. The tour organizers have no control over airline services such as seating, special meal requests, changes in departure times or delays. Against the backdrop of this impressive diversity, we will also follow the fascinating story of Jews and the Anusim (Marranos) of this land. Despite centuries of unrivaled Jewish success, this Golden Age came to an end in 1492 with the promulgation of the Alhambra Decree, which presented the Jews with the options of conversion to Catholicism, exile or death. Lanzarote houses Timanfaya National Park, where travelers can take camel rides across the almost lunar-looking terrain. From sea level to about 1,300 feet (400 metres), plants characteristic of hot, arid tracts can be found, and better-watered or irrigated tracts yield crops of bananas, oranges, coffee, dates, sugarcane, and tobacco. We were about to leave Tenerife, says Dorons wife, Rubi Peretz. www.bat-zion.name. The Canaries use the Spanish currency of the euro (1 EUR). E-28002 Madrid The eastern group comprises Lanzarote, Fuerteventura Island, and six islets surmounting a single submarine plateau, the Canary Ridge, that rises about 4,500 feet (1,400 metres) from the ocean floor. Originally it was built as a summer palace for the kings of Portugal. Restaurants and lounges surrounded by panoramic views ), their prices will be added to the cancellation fees specified above. Travel the Canary Island and Madeira the Jewish way. The parades, known as Romeria, usually end up at a church or religious structure. Today we will drive to Southampton Harbor. The Rosens will be working under the auspices of Rabbi David Liebersohn, director of, Chabad-Lubavitch of Barcelona, who has been coordinating visits to the islands by Chabads Roving Rabbisfor decades and is responsible for expandingChabad-Lubavitchin Spain. No one could tell her why, The modern Jewish community of Las Palmas and other smaller, less organized such communities of the Canarian archipelago, are not suffering or being persecuted as their predecessors were. The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate. Havana street scene. Well begin in the ancient part of the city between narrow and steep alleys that earned it a mention as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and visit traditional wine houses and antique wooden boats, from where wine was transported to destination ports. Cereal grains must largely be imported. We bring food from Israel to supplement what is served in the hotel such as cheeses, peanut butter, tuna, etc. Please contact us in case of abuse. Meanwhile, in spring and fall, the Canaries continue to enjoy the same pleasant weather as the peak seasons, only without the tourist crowds. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Well visit the citys synagogue and see the impressive Stock Exchange Palace. In case of change, cancellation or malfunction related to flights, cruise or transportation, the responsibility for these rests with the service provider Locals in the Canaries speak Spanish, but you'll find that their accents sound more South American than Spanish. Only strictly kosher food is provided to our travelers on all our tours. Another woman was crying as she watched. Former Jewish areas, the juderas, can be seen in, Avila, Barcelona, Besalu, Caceres, Calahorra, Crdoba, Estella, Gerona, Hervas, Jan, Len, Monforte de Lemos, Montblanc, Oviedo, Palma de Majorca, Plasencia, Rivadavia, Segovia, Tarazona, Tarragona Tortosa and Tudela. We use local fresh fruits and vegetables, and we use milk products when they are permitted. Rounding up to the nearest euro in a taxi and leaving anywhere from 7 to 13 percent at a restaurant should be sufficient. If you'd rather get around by boat, several companies also offer inter-island ferry services. The town is located on the lower slopes of the mountain and offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Puerto de la Cruz. Antigen tests must be taken a maximum of 24 hours before arrival in Spain and NAAT tests (PCR, TMA, LAMP) taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Spain. The synagogue closed, and its Torah scroll lay in a closet collecting dust. Physically, the Canaries fall into two groups. Chabadhas a reputation: They bring together all kinds of Jews, religious or not. We will visit a small part of the Cauva de los Verdes, a 17 km long lava cave, after which well descend to another part of the volcanic cave of Hamos de Aquo. Plan your vacation accordingly. In our last day we will get to know Lisbon, the capital and heart of Portugal. Most of present day Jews of the Canary Islands are newcomers; primarily from Morocco and other North African countries. A significant portion of these are Spanish-speaking Jews who returned to Spain after centuries of exile in northern Morocco. Figures of note included the physician, philosopher and Talmudist Moses Ben Maimon (Maimonides) and Samuel ibn Naghrillah, who led Muslim armies in the field. Here well visit the Roman remains in and around the town. I highly recommend checking the page regularly to ensure you'll be fully prepared. The number one favorable factor that brings roughly 12 million visitors to the Canaries each year is no doubt the weather. Jewish Tenerife; Jewish Canary Islands Synagogues in Tenerife . The capital is Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Tenerife, Synagogues Intriguing places and breathtaking views of the Canary Island and Madeira aboard a kosher luxury vessel - Lanserote, La Palma de Gran Canaria, Tenerife. Moreover, many individuals, who were part of the Old Christians, sought to disengage and liberate themselves from the grip of the Catholic Church, joined these communities and converted to Judaism, Unfortunately for these Jews, the Inquisition soon caught up with Canarian Islands and lasted three centuries. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. The FCJE runs Radio Sefarad and TV Shalom. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Anti-Semitism remains an issue of concern to Spanish Jews, with a recent analysis by the Spanish Observatory on Anti-Semitism finding that 53% of Spaniards believe in traditional anti-Semitic stereotypes. The couple will be moving to Tenerife together with their daughter in time forChanukah. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Donate Connect Get Involved Learn Online Spacious and elegant rooms with a window (rooms with balconies at an additional charge) Visit the U.S. State Department's website for the latest information on entry and exit requirements. The Alhambra Decree was formally rescinded in 1968, four hundred and seventy-six years after Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand ordered the Jews expelled from Spain. This is why the islands are so apt for surfing. Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the main ports of call during the peak tourist season, which falls between December and March. All the western islands exceed 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) at their highest points, with Teide Peak on Tenerife rising to 12,198 feet (3,718 metres), the highest point on Spanish soil. JewishBelgium.com | Jewish Gibraltar | Jewish Hungary | JewishItaly.org | Jewish Luxembourg | JewishSpain.org | JewishSwitzerland.org | JewishUnitedKingdom.com We will continue to Monte, the mountain of Funcha, where well try our skills at tobogganing which was ancient means of transportation of the island. Evening entertainment not included in the detailed plan TV with DVD Residents of the Canary Islands think of themselves as Spanish citizens, just as much as those who live in Madrid. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Remarks The majority of Jews in Spain, between 200,000 and 250,000, were forced to apostatize while somewhere between 40,000 and 100,000 were forced into exile. Tips for shipboard service providers only $ 140 (paid directly to the ship on board) The Rosens are the glue that makes us all come together. We will embark on the luxury vessel that will serve as a luxurious floating hotel and friendly home for the duration of the cruise. Learn More I would like to. The town looks like a toy. It dates from the first part of the seventeenth century. Whilst we do not display any advertising on the WJC website, allowing marketing cooking may allow other sites to see that you have visited our site. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Advice needed for Canary Islands - which island? It really bothered us, adds Doron Peretz, we had nobody to celebrate with., Their first year on the island, they thought they were the only Jews there, says Rubi Peretz. They later converted to Christianity and, in 613 CE, the Jews there were ordered to convert to Christianity or face expulsion. The peace treaty between Spain and England, signed in 1604, gave rise to the trade of wine and sugar from the islands and drew many Crypto-Jews from Lisbon, Bordeaux and Amsterdam. We will tour the islands capital of Santa Cruz an ancient port city with colonial buildings. You'll find every cuisine imaginable on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Spain also granted citizenship to Sephardic Jews in Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania. Chabad of the Canary Islands - Tenerife. The western group, made up of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and Ferro islands, consists of mountain peaks that rise directly from a deep ocean floor. Years of persecution had taught Jews that they could be baptized and still practice Judaism in secret. You'll need a U.S. passport that will be valid for a minimum of three months after you return from the Canary Islands. Read More About Chabad of Tenerife is more than just a synagogue. The primary sites of Jewish interest are those linked to the Golden Age in the region of Andalusia. The Romans learned of the Canaries through Juba II, king of Mauritania, whose account of an expedition (c. 40 bce) to the islands was preserved by the writers Plutarch and Pliny the Elder. Well stroll through Santa Ana Square and admire the city hall and picturesque alleyways, along the Triana pedestrian street, and along the promenade along the sea and in the harbor. We set sail at 16:00. The city is built on granite cliffs towering over and crossing the Douro River and crossing. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure tocheckwhat the current exchange rateisbefore you go. Israels judicial overhaul: What is the coalition planning and where does it stand. Those were mostly New Christians also known as Crypto Jews *who were forced to abandon their faith and adopt Catholicism while remaining firm and devoted to Judaism during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. Police close roads in Tel Aviv as weekly anti-government rallies begin, Tens of thousands to rally in 9th straight week of protests against judicial shakeup, 120 US Jewish leaders: Smotrich should not be given a platform in our community, UN nuke watchdog chief in Iran: Any military attack on a nuclear facility is illegal, Top pilots said to warn IAF chief new govt putting their continued service in doubt. From there well continue to the Las Casillas National Park. The performance of the trip is subject to the conditions and responsibilities as they appear on the website The old traditional religious one is still occurring and practiced by some members of the Catholic Church. Examples of these changes are the opening of the Baruch Spinoza Foundation in Barcelona and the establishment of the magazine Raices (Roots) in Madrid. With United's new nonstop service from Newark (EWR) to Tenerife South (TFS), though, these islands are much easier to reach and much more accessible for American travelers. The Canary Islands manufacturing industries are small-scale outside Santa Cruz de Tenerife, whose petroleum refinery processes large quantities of crude oil. They taught us a lot about things wed never know. Bananas, which are still the Canaries leading crop, are protected in the Spanish market against foreign competition. However, they undoubtedly face new and difficult challenges, One of these hardships is the growing anti-semitism. At the end of the tour we will go to Coimbra, a beautiful city built on a cliff surrounded by a river. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. The Catholic religion has been the majority since the Conquest of the Canary Islands in the fifteenth century. Emergui, Valerie Amram. We will visit the old quarter which is the historical center of the city. Theyre wonderful people, sweet, giving, and dedicated. Although all seven islands have airports, the busiest airports are Tenerife South Airport (TFS), Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). 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