Trip #2: Jewish Quarter

Alex Verch

Trip 2: Jewish Quarter

Date:  January 27^th. 2011

            During our second trip we visited the Jewish quarter of Barcelona. Again, we met everyone outside of the Cathedral in the Gothic Area. We walked around the area until we got to the tiny Jewish Quarter. The streets were extremely narrow and the buildings were very close together. In class we learned that the Arabs swarmed across the Mediterranean and invaded the Jews. Everyone was forced to leave, or convert to Christianity. This is why the area is so small. After seeing this in person it became a lot clearer as to why many people do not even know where this area in Barcelona is because it so tiny. People were forced to hide their religion during this period. I personally would be extremely upset and taken aback if someone were to ask me to hide who I was. This is essentially what the Jews were asked to do. After Franco died however, the Jewish people came back and bought the Synagogue.

            When we arrived at the Synagogue I did not realize what it was at first because it was hidden. There is a very tiny door with a staircase leading underground. There were two small rooms that we saw while inside. One had a glass floor with the original floors underneath. There were stain glass windows, a menorah, the Star of David, and other artifacts. Also, while inside I bought a bracelet with a hamsa (otherwise known as the hand of God). I also made a small donation while inside.

            While walking around the Gothic Area I also noticed beautiful artwork on some of the doorways. I also learned that cartographers were very important. Another fact I took away from this field trip is that the link between power and church in terms of the king are closely tied to one another. I really enjoyed this particular trip because we got to see a very historical part of Barcelona