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S&P Sephardi Community
The S&P Sephardi Community is the working name for the charities set up in connection with the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation.
Our community was the first established after the readmission of the Jews to England in 1656. Jews from Spain and Portugal had been forced to convert to Christianity following persecution by the Inquisition. Known as Marranos, they adopted Spanish and Portuguese names while secretly practising their Jewish religion. They even posed as Catholics, attending mass at the Portuguese Embassy in London.
It was only in the second half of the 17th century that a decree was established allowing Jews to follow their religion. The community first worshipped at a house in Creechurch Lane but soon outgrew this temporary home. Funds were raised to build a new synagogue, Bevis Marks Synagogue, which opened in 1701.
From the first days of their settlement in this country the Sephardim devoted themselves with passionate zeal to the worship of the God of their fathers who had guided them through dark and perilous ways to peace in England.
L D Barnett, Treasures of a London Temple, 1951
Visit the spiritual home of the S&P Sephardi Community
Run by the same community since opening in 1701, the Bevis Marks Synagogue has become one of the most renowned synagogues in the world.
Learn more about the S&P Sephardi Community on a wonderful day out at one of London’s hidden gems. Plan your visit to the Bevis Marks Synagogue to discover more.
