History Preserved

This image was taken in the city of Salamanca, located in western Spain.The Magen David (shield of David, or as it is more commonly known, the Star... more

by Arlene Carmel

Title

History Preserved

Artist

Arlene Carmel

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

This image was taken in the city of Salamanca, located in western Spain.The Magen David (shield of David, or as it is more commonly known, the Star of David) is the symbol most commonly associated with Judaism today. The Jewish settlement of Salamanca seems to have been one of the oldest in the kingdom. The first documents mentioning Jews in Salamanca date back to the end of the 12th century. At the beginning of the 13th century the city was granted a charter which included important sections relevant to the local Jews, and full rights of protection and justice equal to those of the other natives of Salamanca, Christians and Moors. This small college town was always known for producing some of the finest intellects. Even after the expulsion the of the Jews in 1490 University of Salamanca continued to be a center for Hebrew studies, and in the 16th century some of the best intellects of Spain were concentrated in it.

It would appear that the Jewish community recovered sometime in the 15th century. The Jewish quarter in Salamanca, which was in the southwest of the city, was not exclusively inhabited by Jews, some of whom lived outside it. This facade of an old Synagogue is on one of the main streets of the old city. The Magen David is a relatively new Jewish symbol. The facade of many of the structures in the old city of Salamanca are protected by law, including this facade of what was once a thriving Synagogue.

Uploaded

March 28th, 2012