Sha'arei Ratzon | 
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The Sha'arei Ratzon community is both diverse in origin and united in purpose: to establish and advance the unique and ancient prayers of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews in the State of Israel. Its members are a mixture of immigrants, who came from countries such as the United States, England, Holland, Italy and Surinam, and native-born Israelis. They are mainly descended from Jews who practised their faith in secret in Spain after the expulsion in 1492, and then made their way to other European countries a century later. They live all over Israel, and come together to worship in the historic Istambouli synagogue, in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Spanish and Portuguese service is one of the most historic, poetic and tuneful liturgies to be found in the Jewish heritage. It preserves some of the finest works of the Golden Age of Judeo/Spanish poetry as a living, modern means of spiritual expression. The congregation was established in 1980, and has gradually expanded over the years. In 1992 it was honored by the presence of the then Prime Minister, Yitzhak Shamir, at a special service commemorating the 500th anniversary of the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. |
| A Brief History | | Jerusalem Post article |