This cruise focuses on the Canary Islands and combines intriguing places and breathtaking views: volcanic mountains, and lava rocks that created a huge variety of natural formations, dense forests, cliffs, picturesque fishing villages and verdant meadows. Breakfast is prepared using our utensils. The eastern group comprises Lanzarote, Fuerteventura Island, and six islets surmounting a single submarine plateau, the Canary Ridge, that rises about 4,500 feet (1,400 metres) from the ocean floor. In 1479 the Treaty of Alcovas recognized Spanish sovereignty over the Canaries, and the conquest of the remaining islands was completed in 1496. as well as other partner offers and accept our. These remain the sole responsibility of the airline company. Many restaurants on Fuerteventura serve up local goat cheese called majorero. in They simply have no desire for us to be meddling in their cooking process nor are they happy about our bringing our equipment into their kitchens. The primary sites of Jewish interest are those linked to the Golden Age in the region of Andalusia. For dinners, we serve either fish or meat (usually chicken) as our main course. Were going to travel all over Tenerife and to the neighboring islands, such as Gran Canaria, where there is a small Jewish community, and connect with everybody, he affirms. Their tiny house of worship, situated on one of the main roads in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, bears not identifying mark. CANARY ISLANDS, islands belonging to Spain, off N.W. Jewish Europe doesn't endorse the Kashrut of the establishments listed on the website. They taught us a lot about things wed never know. and what a beautiful way to spend a relaxing Shabbat on board, along with Shabbat services, scrumptious Shabbat meals, lectures and shiurim. Overall, the population of Spain in 2022, by gender and autonomous community shows that the Canary Islands were the seventh largest autonomous community in Spain when ranked by population with. Spain Canary Islands Tenerife Jewish Community of Tenerife (Synagogue, Shul) Jewish Community of Tenerife . The major centers of Jewish life in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. Those were mostly New Christians also known as Crypto Jews *who were forced to abandon their faith and adopt Catholicism while remaining firm and devoted to Judaism during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. Travelers arriving from the US to the Canary Islands, or from the US to the Spanish mainland for tourism purposes, must be. Though most places are up and running, make sure to check with local businesses or restaurants you'd like to visit that are near Cumbre Vieja in the following areas: El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane, Tazacorte, Mazo, and Fuencaliente, which could still be affected by volcanic ash. Canary Islands - most scenic and best transport? Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of return from the trip, I AGREE TO RECIEVE INFORMATION ABOUT TRIPS AND SALES, Than obtaining information about trips and promotions, Where do you want to travel?Phone number*, I aprove recieving e-mails from kesher tours, On the worlds most famous luxury liner Queen Elizabeth, Including a week in Portugal. (Photo taken by B.I.) I met with some of them a couple of weeks ago and the story they unfolded left me distraught and concerned.From left to right: Dr. Paul Brami, Bat-Zion Susskind-Sacks, Monty . All Rights Reserved. | Donate | Feedback Read More About Chabad of Tenerife is more than just a synagogue. TV with DVD Today we will drive to Southampton Harbor. Pop. Adding a logistics and kashrut person is dependent upon more than 20 participants. Rosen wrapstefillinwith an Israeli tour guide on the island. Well continue to Lisbon, capital of Portugal. At the end of the tour we will return to the ship to prepare for Shabbat. At their closest point to the African mainland, they are 100 kilometres west of Morocco. Tenerife, Spain. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. Islas Canarias or Canary Islands in Spain are most famous for being the furthermost region of the European Union. Here, too, we will admire a combination of rough mountains, valleys, huge rocks that descend into the sea, charming bays, cultivated agricultural areas and tropical fruits. Las Palmas, Canary Islands Distributing matzah before the holiday We were honored to be hosting the first-ever official Chabad seder in Las Palmas, and the turnout exceeded our expectations. Another 40,000-100,000 were forced into exile. Prior the recognition, the Spanish Jewish community, through a number of socio-cultural friendship associations, served as an unofficial bridge between the two countries. And if you're visiting some of the bigger islands namely Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote you'll find the requisite plush resorts. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to. Sea salted potatoes served with a spicy pepper sauce are another common accompaniment to the main course. Jewish Europe doesn't endorse the Kashrut of the establishments listed on the website. Although there are bus systems available on all the islands, most don't run frequently enough to be useful to tourists. Under the Franco regime, Jewish communities in Madrid and Barcelona kept a low profile. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Today isFri. Kosher food is available in Spain and groups such as WIZO and B'nai B'rith are also active. Spanish neutrality in World War II allowed 25,600 Jews to use Spain as a getaway, with Franco allowing Jews to use the country as an escaping route. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The island of La Palma experienced a volcanic eruption in September 2021 that spewed hot lava and ash over many businesses and residential homes in the immediate area and also temporarily affected the air quality. We use kosher cereals, and bread. We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary. Today, an estimated 13,000 (affiliated) and 50,000 (resident) Jews live in Spain, concentrated in the provinces of Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga as well in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. And on the island of La Gomera, some of the locals still speak their native language, Silbo. Omissions? Former Jewish areas, the juderas, can be seen in, Avila, Barcelona, Besalu, Caceres, Calahorra, Crdoba, Estella, Gerona, Hervas, Jan, Len, Monforte de Lemos, Montblanc, Oviedo, Palma de Majorca, Plasencia, Rivadavia, Segovia, Tarazona, Tarragona Tortosa and Tudela. Dont take stones, they might be dry lava (pumice) from the volcano and will eat through clothing ( This happened to a KWB staffs mother!). "Go run after him," she told her daughter. Todays a day to relax and enjoy all of the ships magnificent facilities. Franco's regime, despite its aversion to Zionism and "Judeo-Freemasonry, does not appear to have shared the extreme anti-Semitic ideology promoted by the Nazis. It is part of a plain building, just like any other on that same block Their. Well visit the synagogue and the newly opened Jewish museum, and if we are lucky we will meet some members of the local Jewish/Marrano community. Well make a stop at Guimares, the first capital of Portugal, to see the citadel of the city. When possible, we acquire the meat locally from Chabad or other reliable kosher source, and in some cases we fly the meat in from Israel. Another woman was crying as she watched. You'll need a U.S. passport that will be valid for a minimum of three months after you return from the Canary Islands. If discovered still practicing Judaism, these Conversos, or New Christians popularly called marranos (pigs) by the non-Jewish population were jailed and burned at the stake. If you'd rather get around by boat, several companies also offer inter-island ferry services. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Popular cities: JewishBarcelona.org | JewishBudapest.org | JewishBrussels.com | JewishFlorence.org | JewishGeneva.com | JewishLondon.info | JewishMadrid.com | JewishMilan.com | Jewish Moscow | JewishRome.com | JewishVenice.info | JewishZurich.com Despite centuries of unrivaled Jewish success, this Golden Age came to an end in 1492 with the promulgation of the Alhambra Decree, which presented the Jews with the options of conversion to Catholicism, exile or death. And if you're visiting the Canaries via mainland Spain and are above the age of 12, you'll have to show either a certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19, a negative COVID-19 test (antigen tests taken a maximum of 48 hours before arrival, and NAAT tests taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival), or a certificate of recovery confirming that the holder has recovered from COVID-19, issued at least 11 days after the first positive test. In my research I have found nothing more about . Of course, the Canary Islands are packed with visitors year-round especially from other European countries that don't see quite as much sunshine. We will visit the district of Belem, (Bethlehem in Portugues) a quarter built on the waterfront and where the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is buried. Most of present day Jews of the Canary Islands are newcomers; primarily from Morocco and other North African countries. There may be changes to the order of places visited. It is composed by 7 main islands and 7 smaller islands and islets. Then its down to the Orutava Valley to visit the charming town of La Ortua where the local aristocracy resides. About 25,000 to 35,000 refugees, most of them Jews, went through Spain to Portugal. This morning we will anchor in La Palma de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria Island and one of its most important ports. At breakfast, we prepare our lunches so that people have their choice as to what they eat for lunch. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. This year, the Rosens brought together dozens of local Jews for the High Holidays, all seemingly out of nowhere. This religion would largely replace the Canarian aboriginal religion through the prohibition of the latter and syncretism. Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations. Well drop anchor today on the island of La Palma, the greenest of the Canary Islands and third largest in terms of population. Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the main ports of call during the peak tourist season, which falls between December and March. And the islands' attractions are far too spread out to see completely on foot. Fridays and Saturdays, holidays and holidays in Israel, Sundays and holidays abroad are not counted as a working day. They wanted their young son, Yaar, 2, to have a Jewish education and celebrate the holidays, and after two years of doing everything on their own, they decided it was time to move somewhere with an active Jewish communityone like theyd experienced at Chabad of Shanghaiwhere theyd lived until the pandemic. Accompanying persons between 12 and 17 years old are exempt. The island is the fourth largest island and the oldest since it was created 180 million years ago. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for the latest information on entry and exit requirements. The Catholic religion has been the majority since the Conquest of the Canary Islands in the fifteenth century. Please contact us in case of abuse. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Spain boasts Sunday schools, summer camps and branches of the Maccabi sports movement and the Union of Jewish Students. Whenever there's high pressure over the Sahara, temps rise and humidity falls, creating trade winds that blow over the islands, often at strong speeds midday. From there well make our way to Obidos. Plan your vacation accordingly. After the Moors were finally driven out of Granada in 1492, the monarchs moved to complete their reconquest through the expulsion of Spanish Jewry. Jewish day schools exist in Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga and several Spanish communities run Sunday schools and Talmud Torahs. Having been familiar with Chabad for 20 years and its vast worldwide network, I was wondering why there wasnt one on Tenerife, he says. Statistic cookies help us understand how visitors interact with this website, for example seeing which pages are most popular. Although we do our best to keep the website updated, establishments listed on Jewish Europe are not guaranteed to be still operating or Kosher. Tours, visits and site entrances according to the plan Annual precipitation, which is concentrated in November and December, is low, rarely exceeding 10 inches (250 mm) anywhere except on the windward northeastern sides of the islands, where it may reach 30 inches (750 mm). Christopher Columbus replenished all four of his westbound fleets in the Canaries, which became an indispensable Spanish base on sea routes to the Americas. According to a survey conducted in 2019, Canary Islands is the fifth . Courtesy of Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61. In addition the ship boasts: a magnificent hall for performances, music and singers, casino, bars, luxury restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and of course an active entertainment team every day. December highs are about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 12 million visitors a year can't go wrong. Our cruise will also bring us to the Portuguese island of Madeira. Kashrut is of utmost importance to us and we take special measures to ensure that everything served is kosher. When we cook in hotel kitchens, we use our own knives, cutting boards, pots and pans, cooking implements and disposable metal trays. The deep whistle sound of the Silbo language supposedly carried quite a long way across the island, so natives could communicate from a distance. Although we do our best to keep the website updated, establishments listed on Jewish Europe are not guaranteed to be still operating or Kosher. before you go. Israels judicial overhaul: What is the coalition planning and where does it stand. JewishBelgium.com | Jewish Gibraltar | Jewish Hungary | JewishItaly.org | Jewish Luxembourg | JewishSpain.org | JewishSwitzerland.org | JewishUnitedKingdom.com Only time will tell, I* It is noteworthy to mention that Crypto-Judaism pre-dates the Spanishand Portuguese Inquisitions. (Photo by Alex Shaland) The contemporary Cuban Jewish narrative depicts a fascinating trajectory. She lives in Israel and has recently published her first novel, "On A Wing From The Holy Land." Chabad of the Canary Islands - Tenerife. Website: www.fcje.org, President: Isaac Benzaquen The town looks like a toy. Carnival is a big deal here, as are religious pilgrimages and parades that pay homage to different saints. In addition, it has a unique display dedicated to the subject of the Marranos. These luxury accommodations boast gourmet restaurants, sprawling golf courses and prime beach access. The Canary Islands manufacturing industries are small-scale outside Santa Cruz de Tenerife, whose petroleum refinery processes large quantities of crude oil. . Tip for the Israeli tour guide $5 per person per day. Air-conditioned bus for all tours and transfers according to plan Please use the following structure: example@domain.com, Send me The Times of Israel Daily Edition. The majority of Jews in Spain, between 200,000 and 250,000, were forced to apostatize while somewhere between 40,000 and 100,000 were forced into exile. Well take a walk in Funchal, the capital, where well visit the Mercado dos Labradors the main farmers market where fruits, vegetables and fish are sold. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Cereal grains must largely be imported. That brought a bitter end to Jewish life in the archipelago for the next one hundred years until the influx of Jews from North Africa in the middle of the twentieth century, The few members of the Jewish community that we met in Las Palmas are not aware of any remaining descendants of Crypto-Jews on the Islands. After visiting the museum, we will visit the local synagogue, Beit Eliahu, and become acquainted with the local people and the Shavei Israel organization, which works to help bring the Marranos back to Judaism. Physically, the Canaries fall into two groups. The main course at dinner is preceded by soup and salad and accompanied by freshly prepared vegetables. I highly recommend checking the page regularly to ensure you'll be fully prepared. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Today we will tour Porto. Cancellation for any reason from 10 working days * prior to departure of the trip the traveler will be charged the full price of the trip including all the accompanying costs. Theyre wonderful people, sweet, giving, and dedicated. Meanwhile, in spring and fall, the Canaries continue to enjoy the same pleasant weather as the peak seasons, only without the tourist crowds. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are usually the windiest islands. Travel the Canary Island and Madeira the Jewish way. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. Today we will leave Lisbon for the charming town of Sintra, which offers fascinating architecture and a number of interesting museums, beautiful gardens and impressive palaces. From sea level to about 1,300 feet (400 metres), plants characteristic of hot, arid tracts can be found, and better-watered or irrigated tracts yield crops of bananas, oranges, coffee, dates, sugarcane, and tobacco. Like most of these young couples, he and his wife spent some time visiting the community before establishing a permanentChabad centerthere. Police close roads in Tel Aviv as weekly anti-government rallies begin, Tens of thousands to rally in 9th straight week of protests against judicial shakeup, 120 US Jewish leaders: Smotrich should not be given a platform in our community, UN nuke watchdog chief in Iran: Any military attack on a nuclear facility is illegal, Top pilots said to warn IAF chief new govt putting their continued service in doubt. We will learn about the formation of the giant crater, the unique lava species and vegetation, and explore the impressive canary forests. The division in autonomous regions and communities of Spain is also reflected in the life of the Jewish community. The major centers of Jewish life in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. We will stroll through the quiet streets of the town, between ancient buildings and conservation sites, and walk up to the impressive 12th century fortress a Templar monastery that dominates the city. Surfers, windsurfers, scuba divers and sunbathers all flock to different shores to revel in the gnarly waves, vibrant underwater world and soft sands. Area 2,875 square miles (7,447 square km). It contains the oldest synagogue that was recently restored. Most of the towns fame came from the most impressive Juderia, the Jewish quarter, in Portugal. At the end of the tour we will go to Coimbra, a beautiful city built on a cliff surrounded by a river. Africa.Since the Canary Islands were taken over by Spain after the Expulsion of 1492, the first Jewish immigrants to the Canary Islands were *Conversos from Spain and Portugal seeking refuge from the Inquisition and persecution. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The Canaries comprise the Spanish provincias (provinces) of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as the insular councils of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and Ferro. Other communities can be found in Alicante, Cadiz, Marbella, Majorca, Torremolinos, Valencia, Canary Islands, Oviedo and Seville. After Shabbat services, Kiddush and lunch, well take a walking tour of the area near our hotel. In 1945, Barcelona became a refugee center, aided by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. We will climb to the heights of St. Georges Castle overlooking the city and then descend along the winding alleys of the ancient Alfa district, which also includes the Juderia region (the Jewish quarter). Bananas, which are still the Canaries leading crop, are protected in the Spanish market against foreign competition. You'd be right in comparing Spain's Canary Islands to a tropical paradise. The first wave of Jewish immigration to these islands dates back to the end of the fifteenth century. Wed been talking about doing something as a family forRosh Hashanahjust us. Examples of these changes are the opening of the Baruch Spinoza Foundation in Barcelona and the establishment of the magazine Raices (Roots) in Madrid. Passengers aged between 12 and 17 must have a negative PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival. Cuba at different times has seen immigrants arrive who were Amerindian, European, African, and Asian. We will embark on the luxury vessel that will serve as a luxurious floating hotel and friendly home for the duration of the cruise. It is part of a plain building, just like any other on that same block, Their handfuls of members quietly and cautiously gather in it on Shabbat and other special occasions to observe their tradition and celebrate their holidays. Read more about. The Rosens visited Tenerife for theHigh Holidays, and when theTorah scroll was dusted off for use during services, the community theyd brought together was moved beyond words. This island archipelago, an autonomous community belonging to Spain, consists of seven main inhabited islands and several secondary islands. Sign up for notifications from Insider! The first canaries that settled on the island arrived in 1492, coming from the ships of Christopher Columbus (three of Columbus's four voyages passed through the Canary Islands). Bring your own Kosher food, nothing locally. The seven isles that make up the Canary Islands boast everything from beaches and swimming to national parks and volcanoes to enjoy. Your comment has been sent and is awaiting moderation. Elegant boutique Eventually, we met some other Israelis and Spanish-speaking Jews., They were elated to hear ofChabads plans, and the other Island Jews have been very supportive, says Doron. Canary Islands, Spanish Islas Canarias, comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Spain, consisting of an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, the nearest island being 67 miles (108 km) off the northwest African mainland. More Jews arrived from Morocco in the last century and even had a synagogue in Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the islands. Popular cities: JewishBarcelona.org | JewishBudapest.org | JewishBrussels.com | JewishFlorence.org | JewishGeneva.com | JewishLondon.info | JewishMadrid.com | JewishMilan.com | Jewish Moscow | JewishRome.com | JewishVenice.info | JewishZurich.com Well stroll through Santa Ana Square and admire the city hall and picturesque alleyways, along the Triana pedestrian street, and along the promenade along the sea and in the harbor. It really bothered us, adds Doron Peretz, we had nobody to celebrate with., Their first year on the island, they thought they were the only Jews there, says Rubi Peretz. A spectacularly beautiful ship, classical, built to give all its guests the experience of a royal palace. On most of our tours, you will be accompanied by two of our staff members- one a guide for the tour who is knowledgeable about the places you are visiting and will accompany you throughout the day and the second, a person who will deal with the logistics of the tour and provide kashrut supervision in the kitchen. The autonomous community was established by the statute of autonomy of August 10, 1982. Donate Connect Get Involved Learn Online 939 Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Tenerife. 1. From 1868 until 1968, Jews could live in Spain as individuals, but could not practice Judaism as a community. The original inhabitants of the Canaries were the Guanches (see Guanche and Canario); now assimilated into the general population, they were a Berber people who were conquered by the Spanish in the 15th century. Megan Johnson|Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson|Erin EvansFebruary 28, 2023, U.S. News Travel EditorsFebruary 28, 2023, Kyle McCarthy|Catriona KendallFebruary 22, 2023, The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. The best times to visit the Canary Islands are between March and May and from September to November. If you are looking for a community to connect and learn, Chabad of Tenerife is for you. They moved there for commercial reasons during the early sixties of the last century, at the end of the French and Italian colonial period, Jews, however, are not new to the Canary Islands. Well begin in the ancient part of the city between narrow and steep alleys that earned it a mention as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and visit traditional wine houses and antique wooden boats, from where wine was transported to destination ports. Cancellation for any reason from the moment of registration and up to 90 working days (inclusive) * prior to departure of the trip the passenger will be charged $ 97 registration fee only We will continue to Monte, the mountain of Funcha, where well try our skills at tobogganing which was ancient means of transportation of the island. The capital is Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Afterwards its on to Guarda, to visit the Jewish Quarter there where well be able to see the impressive engravings on the doorways of the Marrano homes. It is composed by 7 main islands and 7 smaller islands and islets. It is located 100kms (62miles) west of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean.