What Our Guests Say
At the heart of our community is the joy of welcoming others. Over the years, we’ve been blessed to share meaningful moments, celebrations, and experiences with visitors from near and far. Each person who spends time with us brings their own story, and together we create memories of friendship, connection, and Jewish life.
On this page, we’ve gathered words from guests who have joined us—sharing what they experienced, how they felt, and the impressions they carried with them. Their reflections speak to the warmth of our community, and we hope they give you a sense of what it’s like to be part of our home.
Rabbi Dr. Aharon Eitan, Jerusalem
An ancient proverb says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go
together.”
JCA is a home where you feel welcome and connected – a place where Judaism is
celebrated in different ways, so that no matter your background or level of observance,
you feel a sense of togetherness.
What makes JCA so special are two secret ingredients used by the founding family —
the Yitshaik family: One ingredient is called love, and the other is called dedication.
Rabbi Dr. Aharon Eitan
Rabbi Raphael, Toronto, Canada
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great pleasure and heartfelt appreciation that I write this letter in support of the Jewish Community of the Algarve and its president, Mr. Ido.
When we originally planned our trip to Portugal, we did not expect to find any kosher facilities in the south of the country, nor did we anticipate that we would even be able to stay in the Algarve region. To our great surprise and delight, we discovered that a small Jewish community had recently been established and recognized by the Portuguese government. I reached out to Ido, and from that moment, we stayed in touch.
Since then, we have had the privilege of spending two unforgettable Shabbatot in the Algarve. The synagogue was filled with people both on Friday night and Shabbat morning for both meals and service, and it was clear that there was true organization, care, and dedication behind the scenes.
We were amazed to find a kosher store offering a wide variety of products, including meat, wine, fresh Pas Yisrael bread and pastries, and we had the honour to witness the opening of the first kosher restaurant in the Algarve region in many centuries. We were equally pleased to hear about the recent establishment of a weekly children’s club — further proof that the community is growing and meeting a real demand among Jewish visitors and residents alike.
We have completely fallen in love not only with the Algarve, but with this warm and welcoming Jewish community. I am personally glad to give my full support to any project that Ido and the community may need, and I am pleased and happy to provide this letter of support to whom it may concern.
I wish Ido and the entire Jewish community of the Algarve every success, and I am confident that this special community will continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
With respect and warm regards,
Thank you,
Kindest regards,
Rabbi Raphael, MEcon, MBA
Toronto, Canada
Michael Benaim, Hendon London & Gibraltar
My family and I spent a week in Algarve and had the huge pleasure and privilege to spend time with the Jewish community wonderfully led by Ido Itshaik.
Spending Shabbat with the community was particularly endearing. To see how much enthusiasm there is to build something special was heartwarming. We think the potential here is significant and we encourage you all to get involved and organised to support Ido to take this to another level. Make Albufeira Jewish Community Great (Again) is certainly possible and we will be cheering you all the way.
Michael & Family