The Jewish community of Tomar is an example of the peaceful integration of the Jews in Portugal until they were expelled. Although they were a minority within the community, their economic activities were particularly respected, and they also felt free to practice their rites and religious practices.
The Hebrew presence in Tomar has records since the beginning of the 14th century, being confined to a predetermined area, which was located, however, near the town’s main square.
The most intense period of Jewish presence in Tomar took place after 1421, when Prince Henry the Navigator became Administrator of the Order of Christ and, therefore, Lord of the town of Tomar.
Using his knowledge of astronomy and navigation, Prince Henry used his scientific contribution to maritime expansion. This may have been one of the reasons for the protection from which they benefited in that period, stimulating their settlement in Rua da Judiaria, later called Rua Nova, currently corresponding to Rua Joaquim Jacinto. It was at this time that the Tomar Synagogue was founded, the house of prayer and meeting of the Jewish community, which only functioned for half a century, given the forced conversion to Christianity to which the Jews, who wished to remain in Portugal, were subjected after the edict of 5th December 1496.
The Tomar Synagogue is the only proto-Renaissance Hebrew temple in Portugal. It is square in plan and has a vaulted roof with columns and corbels embedded in the walls, with oriental influences. It was built during the 15th century and closed in 1496, the year in which the expulsion of the Jews from Portugal took place.
Used as a Christian temple, granary and storehouse, it was classified as a National Monument in 1921. It was acquired two years later by Samuel Schwarz, a Polish Jew, who would promote its rehabilitation and donate it to the Portuguese State for future museums.