As I walked the streets of Toledo, I knew I was in the Jewish quarter when I saw a Hebrew tile at the base of one of the street columns.

The views were absolutely stunning as I approached the ***Transito Synagogue.***

The Transito Synagogue is also known as the Synagogue of Samuel ha-Levi or Halevi. It is a historic synagogue, church, and Sephardic Museum in Toledo. The synagogue was built in 1357 as an annex of the palace of Samuel ha-Levi Abulafia, treasurer to King Peter of Castile. The synagogue was converted into a church after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. The building became a museum in 1910 and today is formally known as the Sephardic Museum.

During my research, I learned that Sephardic Jews were Spanish Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism or face expulsion from Spain after 1492. During this time, more than 100,000 Spanish Jews left Spain and settled in different parts of Europe and the Middle East.

As I entered the building, my breath was taken away as I looked at the beauty of the synagogue, the details on the walls, and the Hebrew writing at the top of the walls near the ceiling.

The museum also had beautiful displays of Hebrew art, paintings, and important religious items.

When I visit a synagogue, I always think of Jesus and what he experienced growing up in a synagogue. I also think of him sitting with the elders and discussing scripture.

There is also a deep heaviness in my heart when I visit a synagogue because I am reminded of the horrors imposed on these people, not just during World War II, but as far back as 1492 and beyond. As I walked through this beautiful museum, I prayed for forgiveness. Please God, forgive, the evil humanity has done and help us, Lord to never forget and never repeat the injustices of the past.

A short distance away, I came upon another synagogue.

The ***Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca*** was erected in the 12th century and considered the oldest synagogue building in Europe still standing. The building was converted to a Catholic church in the early 15th century. This explains the details noted above the arched doorways.

This synagogue is a Mudejar construction created by Moorish architects for non-Islamic purposes. This was another structure that took my breath away.

The monastery of San Juan de los Reyes was another site on my list.

Within a short walking distance, I arrived at the monastery.

The courtyard was beautiful. It was a cold day in February when I visited. I could only imagine what this would be like in the spring.

The chapel in this monastery was another beautiful site with a magnificent altar display of art that once again told the stories of Jesus and Mary.

I found the ***Blessed Sacrament chapel*** at the back of this church and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the moment. But it was very cold in the chapel. I wondered what it was like living year-round in a cinder block structure without the comforts of modern heating.

Once again, the sculpture details were everywhere.

I enjoyed Toledo and my train adventure back to Madrid was a success. When I arrived at the Atocha train station, I decided to look around before taking the metro to my hotel.