Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue

Category: Religious Architecture > Synagogue

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Boavista

Location

The Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue, also known as the Porto Synagogue, is located in the Boavista area, a predominantly residential zone in the city of Porto. The building stands on an elevated platform, distinguishing itself in the urban landscape with its singular presence.

Its location, surrounded by houses, lends it a serene and discreet atmosphere, away from the more intense bustle of the city center, yet still integrated into the urban fabric of the city.

Origins and Historical Importance

The history of the Kadoorie Synagogue, which means "Source of Life", is marked by the resilience and vision of Artur Barros Basto, an army officer who, converted to Judaism, was fundamental in reorganizing the Jewish community of Porto in the early 20th century. The community was officially registered in 1923, but the construction of the current temple only began in 1929.

Inaugurated in 1938, this is the largest synagogue on the Iberian Peninsula. Its name, "Kadoorie," honors the philanthropic family whose donations helped to drive the completion of the work. During World War II, the synagogue played a discreet but vital role, supporting hundreds of Jewish refugees in transit.

Architecture and Symbolism

The Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue building presents an architectural style of the Modernist era, with a simple volume and clean lines. Its main façade, facing west, is dominated by a large arch that frames the entrance portal, topped by a balcony with inscriptions and a Star of David.

Inside, the large celebration hall is crowned by a dome, and the walls are adorned with passages from the Torah, complemented by decorations that evoke the Moroccan-Sephardic style. The project was designed by architects Almeida Júnior and Augusto dos Santos Malta, with the collaboration of Master Rogério de Azevedo, particularly in the interior details.

A Center for Culture and Dialogue

In addition to its religious function as the seat of the Jewish Community of Porto, the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue opened to the public in 2012, becoming an important cultural center. Within its complex is the Jewish Museum of Porto, an initiative that aims to share Jewish history and culture in Portugal.

The community that gathers here is vibrant and diverse, with members from dozens of countries. The synagogue promotes interreligious dialogue and develops educational projects, contributing to a greater understanding of Jewish culture and to combating antisemitism, inviting a careful look at Jewish history and presence in the city and the country.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt