Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) services were an hour late getting started in Madrid, but nobody seemed to mind. One of the 200 Jews who crowded the third-floor hall off Madrid's Gran Via explained: "We've waited 467 years for this day. A few more minutes won't hurt." At last the congregation, led by younger members bearing the Torah, began the solemn march, chanting the ancient Hebrew prayer: "Praised be the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endureth forever." Then the congregation president lit the "eternal light" (an electric bulb). Occasion: dedication of Madrid's first regular synagogue since 1492, when...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
