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 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.

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

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

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. 

My first day trip from Madrid was complete.  I was now looking forward to exploring Madrid.  

My next blog will show the beauty of the capital of Spain.

Stay tuned - the adventure continues! 

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