Shaare Tikvah Synagogue — Attraction in Lisbon

Deeply Disrespectful and Disheartening Experience

As observant Jews from Toronto who love visiting synagogues around the world to connect with our faith and history, our experience at this synagogue in Lisbon was nothing short of disgraceful.

We had been in contact with Sandra Montez and had a confirmed date and time for our visit. We chose not to send our passport information over email for security reasons, which we made clear and were told to bring them in person, which we did. Despite following those instructions, we were abruptly turned away at the door with no consideration, no respect, and no basic decency.

Yes, we understand the need for strict security. But we complied. We came prepared. What we did not expect was to be treated with such arrogance and disregard. This is not just poor management, it reflects a deeper issue of how our own are turning people away from the faith with coldness, rigidity, and disrespect.

This is exactly why so many young Jews feel alienated. If you’re looking to feel connected to your roots, I urge you to support your local synagogue instead, a place where you’re welcomed, not shamed at the door.

This experience left a sour taste, and it’s a shame to see such a historic place...

Arranged a visit for my family from NYC a couple of weeks beforehand over email. Provided passport information. We arrived 8 minutes after our 930am booking and literally had the door slammed shut on us by a brusque man. No regard for the fact that we had small children in our presence, one of whom was driven to tears by the preposterously disrespectful treatment. The security officer posted outside was kinder and explained that since we are late that is the end the story. Fine - if you want to impose militantly rigid protocols be that way. But after a week in Portugal being welcomed with warmth and graciousness everywhere we’ve been it was sad and throttling to be turned away in this manner by fellow Jews. On the bright side it gave us an opportunity to remind our kids that life has its unpleasant moments, and you need to let them roll off your shoulders and not ruin your day...

Like so many other houses of worship in Europe this synagogue. Some of it due to legitimate security concerns and primarily diminished Jewish population this synagogue hardly functions as a spiritual gathering place A Jew like myself merely wanting to pray ( after all it is advertised as the only synagogue in Lisbon) or visit a holy place is denied entry The people running it are either not Jewish or from very assimilated (Russian etc) backgrounds who could care less about Judaism or anyone wanting to pray. It matters nothing to them. I’ve seen this time and again I’ve seen this all thru Europe A tiny city in the USA had more Jewish presence than most of these...