On 3 April 1639 the Talmud Tora Congregation was founded and later became known as the PIG: the Portuguese-Jewish Congregation. The present congregation comprises about 250 families, 600 persons.
The Esnoga, a majestic synagogue and at one time the largest in the world, was built in 1675 by the Talmud Tora Congregation as a centre for religious worship and remains active to this day. On Shabbat and the High Holy Days services are held, on weekdays and weekends alike. The traditions brought along from Spain and Portugal are still observed. This is manifested by a distinctive Hebrew pronunciation, slightly different religious traditions, special melodies, and the top hats that the officers wear during services. Since many members of the Congregation live in Amstelveen, a Sephardi synagogue has opened there as well, and Portuguese services are held daily there.
The Portuguese-Jewish Congregation is run by the Board of Parnassim, which comprises seven members and is chaired by Jacques Senior Coronel. Since the Statutes of the Congregation were amended by the General Assembly of Members in 2010, women are eligible to serve on this Board as well.
Members of the Board of Parnassim:
J. Senior Coronel, chairman
Prof. H. S. A. Heijmans, M. D., deputy chairman
D. Rychter, gabai (treasurer)
Mrs. Dr. L. Gerez
Dr. A. M. Palache, member
Mr. D. J. Dresden, Esq., member
S. Zigler, member
Questions regarding the Congregation, religious services
or other religious matters:
Nathan Moked
Secretary Portuguese-Jewish Congregation
T +31 (0)20 6 245 351
E Esnoga
Opening hours:
Summer (1 April - 31 October): Monday to Thursday, 9.00 to 17.00,
Friday, 9.00 to 16.00.
Winter (1 November - 31 March: Monday to Thursday, 9.00 to 17.00,
Friday, 9.00 to 14.00.
The secretary is closed on Jewish and national holidays.
Postal address:
Postbus 16748
1001 RE Amsterdam
Visiting address:
Mr. Visserplein 3
1011 RD Amsterdam
We appreciate your tzedekah (gift) enormously, and after we
acknowledge receipt, it may be tax-deductible in your home country.
If you would like to transfer a gift to our account, these are the
details:
Bank: ING
Account owner: Portugees-Israëlietische
Gemeente
USA (dollar):
Account number: 020069294
IBAN: NL23INGB0020069294
BIC: INGBNL2A
The Netherlands:
Account number: 697322777
IBAN: NL14INGB0697322777
BIC:
INGBNL2A
Santo Servicio is the choir of the Portuguese Synagogue. In 1886
Santo Servicio was founded by members of the Portuguese-Jewish
Congregation. At the time, the choir included at least 100 men and
boy sopranos. They perpetuated the traditional songs.
Unfortunately, hardly any of the choir members survived the Second
World War. In 2003 Santo Servicio was reestablished. The choir
performs regularly, at occasions ranging from huppot
(weddings) to a choir day at the Paradiso.
For information and reservations:
E Santo
Servicio or visit the website.