EZRA & SASOON SYNAGOGUE,
The synagogue of the Jewish Community of the Algarve stands as both a practical and symbolic heart of Jewish life in the region. The premises were generously gifted by the founding family, a gesture that allowed the community to establish a sacred space for prayer, learning, and gathering. While this gift has served as the cornerstone of revival in the Algarve, the synagogue has now become too small to meet the growing needs of the community. This reflects both the remarkable expansion of Jewish life and the need for planning toward a larger, more sustainable home for the future.
The story behind the synagogue’s name reaches far into history and across continents. Family tradition recalls a short Jewish man named Yitschak, affectionately called Yitschayek in Arabic. Though the precise details of his life remain uncertain—whether he or his descendants once lived in Sefarad (Portugal) or arrived in Baghdad after the expulsion from Jerusalem—what is remembered is the remarkable legacy of his line.
Among his descendants was Rabbi Ezra Sasoon Yitschayek ZT´´L, the community’s great-grandfather. His very name embodied his mission: “Ezra” (help) and “Sasoon” (joy). Rabbi Ezra was known throughout his city and beyond as both a Rabbi and Chacham, traveling tirelessly to perform circumcisions, guide communities, and assist Jews in every aspect of life. His service was not only marked by dedication but by the spirit of joy with which he carried out every act of kindness.
The synagogue therefore bears a name in his honor: Chacham Ezra Sasoon. It is more than a tribute to an ancestor—it is a living message for the community today. The name reminds us that if we all help each other (Ezra) and live with joy (Sasoon), we will foster unity and Achdut, creating a strong, resilient foundation for Jewish life in the Algarve.
The synagogue thus represents a new beginning for Jewish revival in the region: a sacred place built on generosity, inspired by history, and dedicated to a future of unity, joy, and growth.