The Jews of the Iberian Peninsula have a long and diverse history, from Roman times up through the Expulsion of the Jews in the last decade of the fifteenth century. On the eve of the expulsion of the Jews from Castile and Aragon in 1492, Spain was home to the world’s largest Jewish community. Spain is the birthplace of towering figures in Judaism such as Yehuda Halevi, Solomon ibn Gabirol, Moses ibn Ezra and Maimonides, or Rambam, the greatest Jewish philosopher of the Middle Ages. Expulsion from Spain, one of the most crucial moments in Jewish history, led to the great Sephardic Diaspora in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire.
The Hebrew College Study Tour to Spain provides us with the opportunity to learn about the Golden Age of Spanish Jewry, rich in Jewish learning, heritage and culture. We will discuss the various Jewish scholars that lived and studied in Spain to understand their backgrounds as well as their contributions to Judaism and their relationship with the general community in Spain.
The Study Tour is open to students registered in one of the 2006/2007 Me’ah Graduate Institute [MGI] courses on the Jews of Spain and adult members of their immediate family. A pre-departure reading list will be provided and daily study sessions will be integrated into the itinerary.
Day 1 New York, NY
Today we depart from a NY area airport for an overnight flight to Malaga, Spain.
Day 2 Granada
We arrive in Malaga and enjoy a panoramic bus tour of this capital city of the Costa del Sol. We will see the statue of Solomon ibn Gvirol, Jewish poet and philosopher and native son of Malaga. Following some free time for lunch, we will transfer to Granada, our base for the first stage of our exploration. Enjoy some free time to settle in before we meet for our first study session and orientation, followed by a festive welcome dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 Granada
This morning we will tour the Alhambra, fortress-palace of Granada, dating back to the year 1238, the same year that construction began on the Great Synagogue of Toledo. While the outside is more like a fortress, the interior of the Alhambra is breathtaking. Historically, the Alhambra was the site where the Moslem rulers of Granada surrendered to Ferdinand and Isabella in January of 1492, as well as the site where the Edict of Expulsion was signed later that year. Jews faced the choice of converting to Catholicism or leaving Spain. We will visit the Generalife, Royal Chapel, Moorish Bazaar and Khan. (B)
Day 4 Seville
Today we set out for Seville, located on the Guadalquivir River. We will explore this colorful, elegant city, capital of the region of Andalusia, including the area that was formerly the Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz. We will visit the Cathedral with its landmark Giralda Tower, built in the 15th century as well as the Alcazar and some of the charming streets and squares of Seville. This evening, we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. (B)
Day 5 Madrid
Today we set out for Cordoba, one of the best preserved Moorish cities in Spain and birthplace of Maimonides. We will explore the Jewish Quarter and the Synagogue of Maimonides. The Jewish community in Cordoba was well established by 840. It boasted an influential Talmudic School established by Hasdai ibn Shaprut, as well as a tiny synagogue, built in 1315. Following the Expulsion, the Synagogue was used as a church and as offices for the Shoemakers' Guild, before it was re-converted to a synagogue in 1935 to mark the 800th anniversary of the birth of Maimonides. We will visit the massive Mezquita, or Grand Mosque, known around the world for its elegant architecture. Following some free time, we head to Madrid for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 6 Madrid
Today we will visit some of the general and Jewish sites of Madrid, Spain's capital city. We will drive along the Gran Via, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Espana where we will see the Monument to Cervantes and the 18th century Royal Palace. We will visit Madrid's Beth Jacob Synagogue and the Jewish Community Center. This afternoon, we will visit the Prado Museum, filled with priceless art treasures (this visit can be done on Saturday afternoon as well). This evening, you may wish to attend services before a group Shabbat dinner shared with members of Madrid's Jewish community. (B, D)
Day 7 Madrid
Today, you may wish to attend Shabbat services, explore on your own or rest up for the final days of our study tour. (B)
Day 8 Barcelona
Today we visit Toledo, known as "Jerusalem de Sefarad," including the Jewish Quarter and its many ancient synagogues, many of which have been transformed into churches. We will visit Santa Maria La Blanca Church, originally the "Great Synagogue," El Greco's house, formerly the home of Shmuel Halevi, as well as the Transito Synagogue and its museum that displays five thousands years of Jewish culture in Spain. Upon our return to Madrid, we will enjoy a guided visit of the Prado, one of the renowned art museum's in Europe. This evening we fly from Madrid to Barcelona for the final few days of our trip. (B, D)
Day 9 Barcelona
Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Barcelona. We will visit the Casa Sefardita Jewish Community Center and dual Sephardic-Ashkenazi synagogues, which were the first synagogues opened after the Expulsion (1954). We will visit Montjuic (Mountain of the Jews) to see the expressionist Church of the Holy Family, designed by Gaudi. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore on your own. (B)
Day 10 Barcelona
Today we head north to the city of Gerona in the heart of Catalonia. Catalonia, birthplace of the famous Ramban, Nachmanides, was a center of Jewish learning and culture prior to 1492. We will see the Old Jewish Quarter including the newly restored museum and courtyard. the Isaac El Sec Center, a restored medieval mansion that now houses a Sephardic study center. We will continue to Figueras to visit the Salvador Dali Museum before returning to Barcelona for our festive farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 11 New York, NY
This morning we transfer to the airport in Barcelona for our return flight(s) to a New York area airport. (B)
