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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
The Golden Age of Spain
Study Tour Led by
Jonathan Ray
Samuel Eig Associate Professor of
Jewish Studies
Georgetown University
Introduction
For over a thousand years, Spain was host to one of the most remarkable and fascinating
civilizations in the long history of the Jewish people. This journey though Spain will bring to life the
history and culture of the Sephardic Golden Age. We will tour through great cities and
charming market towns, grand palaces, and labyrinthine streets of medieval Jewish quarters,
with an expert historian and guide who will help put this complex society into historical
perspective. We will get to know the great lives and works of luminaries such as Maimonides,
Judah Halevi, and Abraham ibn Ezra, and learn why their contributions to Jewish life helped to
create the image of a Jewish Golden Age. But we will also go beyond the highlights to get an in
depth look at the daily life of average Jews. Even in the best of times, not all Jews were equally
prosperous or in agreement on the right way to live. Philosophers argued with mystics, poets
with Talmudists, and various clans of wealthy Jewish merchants vied for royal favor. Our journey
through Spain will introduce us to this society in all its complexity.
We will have the chance to learn about the highlights of the Golden Age, and come to
appreciate the special challenges these Jews faced as they struggled to govern themselves
and to maintain their religious identity under Muslim and Christian rule.
Our discussions of Jewish life in the times of interfaith conflict and cooperation will illuminate the
history of the Golden Age, from the revival of the Hebrew language, to the rise of the Spanish
Inquisition. In the end, we will come to know the men and women who live centuries ago, but
whose lives echo many of the same triumphs and trials that remain central to Jewish life today.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Our study tour will visit the following cities:
Barcelona
Barcelona was home to one of Spain’s largest and most important Jewish communities, and is
the ideal place to begin our exploration of medieval Jewish society. The organized chaos of
Jewish politics – from local synagogue boards to the Israeli Knesset – is part of a long, fractious
tradition. A visit to Barcelona’s old Jewish Quarter is a great opportunity to talk about the
challenge of Jewish self-government, and other aspects of daily life within the medieval Jewish
aljama (community). As we walk through the winding streets of the Barcelona’s Gothic
neighborhood, we will learn about the powerful clans of Jewish merchants that vied with one
another for influence in the Jewish community, and at the royal court.
Girona and Besalú
While the Jews of Spain often settled in the bustling cities of Barcelona, Granada, and Toledo,
many others lived in much smaller towns where they often made up a larger percentage of the
population. We will visit Girona, one of Europe’s leading centers of medieval kabbalah, and
home to the great rabbinic authority, Nachmanides.
Here we will have the chance to stop and consider the varied intellectual landscape of Spanish
Judaism, and the way it was shaped by trends in medieval Christianity.
From Girona, we will travel to the beautifully preserved town of Besalú, and gain a unique
glimpse of medieval Jewish life. Here, we will get a sense of just how Spanish, or in this case,
Catalan, Jews actually were.
Granada
Our exploration of the great cities of Muslim Spain (al-Andalus) begins with a tour of Granada,
home of the great courtier and scholar Samuel ha-Nagid. Here we will learn about the golden
age of Jewish poetry that characterized Jewish life in al-Andalus, and the way in which theses
poets helped produce the first great renaissance of the Hebrew language since biblical times.
Granada – Alhambra
The great palace complex of the Alhambra, home to the Muslim rulers of Granada, is one of the
highlights to any trip to Spain. Its intricate courtyards and graceful gardens evoke the glittering
world of the court Jews of al-Andalus, who formed an important part of Muslim political
administration for centuries.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Seville
If ever there was a place that symbolized the best of times and the worst of times for Spanish
Jews, it is the beautiful Andalusian city of Seville. Staying in Seville’s old Jewish Quarter (la
judería) will help take us back in time to the age when Jewish poets composed odes to beautiful
gardens, women, and other earthly delights.
Yet we will also stop and discuss darker aspects of the city’s history. Seville was the site of some
of the worst anti-Jewish riots in the Middle Ages. We will learn about the tragic summer of 1391
that led to mass conversions throughout Spain, and the creation of an entire community of
“Conversos” who were caught in limbo between Jewish and Christian society.
Cordoba
We will tour the great Mosque of Cordoba, truly one of the wonders of the medieval world. But
Cordoba was also home to the greatest Jewish community in Muslim Spain. Our visit to the
Moorish style synagogue and the statue of one of the city’s most celebrated sons – Maimonides
– will serve as the setting for our discussion of the unique nature of Sephardic Judaism. Sitting in
the charming Casa de Sefarad, we will learn about the way Sephardic sages drew upon sacred
and scientific texts, Talmud and philosophy, to create a new means of understanding and
enriching the Jewish tradition.
Madrid
The rise of Converso society in the period following 1391forever altered the course of Spanish
Jewish history. A visit to Madrid’s expansive Plaza Mayor, site of grand royal processions, and
chilling autos da fé, allows us to consider the nature and lasting legacy of the Spanish Inquisition.
Shabbat in Madrid
After 500 years, the Jewish community of Spain is now coming to life once again. On Shabbat,
we will have the chance to get to meet members of Madrid’s current Jewish community, and
learn about what it is like to be a Jew in 21st-century Spain.
Toledo
Our journey through medieval Spain ends in Toledo, the stronghold of Castilian kings, and one of
the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in all of Europe. Toledo was the site of the famed
“school of translators” of King Alfonso “The Wise,” and we will learn about the Jewish role as
cultural intermediaries between the Muslim and Christian worlds of the Middle Ages.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Itinerary
Thursday, May 26th – Day 1 – Fly to Spain
Fly to Barcelona from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Friday, May 27th – Day 2 – Arrival to Spain
Afternoon: Transfer to our hotel. Time to freshen up before meeting the study tour team and
the other participants at noon. After introductions, we head out for a panoramic
tour of Barcelona including Plaza Espana and the Mountain of Montjuic, where
the international Exhibition of 1929 was held and where the Olympic Ring (1992) is
found, Passeig Maritim with the Columbus monument, the world-famous Las
Ramblas, Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona's main avenue and its Modernist Houses
designed by Antoni Gaudi. The tour ends with a visit to Gaudi's spectacular
expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia. Afterwards, we will check into the hotel.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Evening: Optional Shabbat services at a local synagogue. We will then go to a local
restaurant to have our first Learning Session with Professor Ray on A GOLDEN AGE?
THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE IN SPANISH HISTORY before our Welcome Shabbat Dinner.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Hesperia Presidente, Barcelona
Saturday, May 28th – Day 3 – Shabbat in Barcelona
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, there will be optional Shabbat morning services at a
local synagogue.
Later, we will depart the hotel for a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. According
to archaeological evidence, there was a sizable Jewish community in Catalonia
that existed from as early as the beginning of the Common Era.
For centuries thereafter, the Jews of Barcelona managed their own local affairs
and lived relatively well in their own Jewish Quarter. There we will have our
second Learning Session on THE KING’S JEWS – JEWISH STATUS IN MEDIEVAL SPAIN.
Afternoon: We will enjoy Shabbat lunch at a restaurant along the way. Walk along the world-
famous Las Ramblas, the wide central promenade, with all its wonders, stalls and
artists.
Evening: At leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight: Hesperia Presidente, Barcelona
Sunday, May 29th – Day 4 – Girona and Besalú
Morning:
After breakfast, we will have our third Learning Session on GIRONA AND THE RISE
OF MEDIEVAL KABBALAH. Afterwards, we will board our motor coach and head to
Girona. The city is one of the most important historical sites in Spain and dates
back to the 12th century. The highlight of our visit to Girona is a visit to its Jewish
Quarter.
Afternoon:
After lunch on your own, we will see the remains of Medieval Girona, which was
famous for its Kabbalists. It was also the home of the great sage Nachmanides,
who defended the Jews of Spain in the 13th Century Disputation of Barcelona.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Girona
We will then visit Besalú. It is skipped on many tours, but has special significance
to our subject. We will go to Casa Astruc were Dr. Ray will present our fourth
Learning Session on BEYOND THE CITIES: JEWISH LIFE IN SMALLER COMMUNITIES.
We will then discover some of the other archeological sites as well.
Evening: After returning to Barcelona, dinner is on your own and the evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hesperia Presidente, Barcelona
Monday, May 30th – Day 5 – Granada
Morning: After an early breakfast and check out, we will transfer to the airport for our flight
to Granada.
We will then arrive to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors before it fell to
Isabella and Ferdinand in 1492.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Our day’s touring will include a visit to the Albaycn: Old Moorish Neighborhood,
with cozy narrow streets and white charming houses full of local color that has
been declared cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Afternoon:
Lunch on your own, en route.
After lunch, we will enjoy our exploration of the meandering streets and the
traditional neighborhood with no physical remnants of the Jewish community but
with stories that abound.
We will then check into the hotel and enjoy our fifth Learning Session on AT THE
EDGE OF THE WEST: JEWISH COURTIER CULTURE IN AL-ANDALUS.
Evening:
Dinner on your own and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight:
Abades Recogidas, Granada
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Alhambra Palace
Tuesday, May 31st – Day 6 – Granada / Seville
Morning:
After breakfast and check-out, we will visit the fabulous Alhambra Palace and
Generalife Gardens. A specially-licensed guide will take us through this UNESCO
World Heritage Site. After the tour, Dr. Ray will conduct a sixth Learning Session on
JEWISH LIFE IN CHRISTIAN SPAIN.
Afternoon:
We will have a boxed lunch en route to Seville, a city that was shaped by both
Renaissance and Arabic influences.
Evening:
At leisure.
Meals:
Breakfast and a Boxed Lunch
Overnight: NH Collection, Seville
Wednesday, June 1st – Day 7 – Seville
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Morning:
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have our seventh Learning Session with Dr. Ray
on THE DARKER SIDE OF CONVIVENCIA: PERSECUTION DURING THE GOLDEN AGE.
Afterwards, our first stop will be the Alcazar Palace. Then we are off to visit the
Great Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the La Giralda,
built in the 12th century whose bell tower became the city's symbol.
Afternoon:
Lunch on your own, en route. After lunch, we will visit the Santa Cruz
neighborhood, formerly Seville's Jewish Quarter, once known as La Juderia, with its
winding alleyways and remnants of Jewish life.
Evening:
Afterwards, there will be free time to explore Seville and have dinner on your own.
Meals:
Breakfast
Overnight: NH Collection, Seville
Statue of Maimonides in Cordoba
Thursday, June 2nd – Day 8 – Cordoba
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Morning:
Breakfast and check-out, and then we head to Cordoba, the capital of the
Moorish kingdom of al-Andalus.
We will visit the world-famous Cathedral-Mosque with its 1,000 colored columns
and many additions. Afterwards we will enter the Jewish Quarter, including Plaza
Tiberias and the Yehuda Halevi Square. The walking tour will continue to view the
Statue of Maimonides and then visit the small Moorish-styled building known as
the Maimonides Synagogue.
Afternoon: Lunch on your own, en route.
We will visit Casa de Sefarad, dedicated to the history of the Sephardic Jews living
in Cordoba and Spain prior to the Inquisition and expulsion in 1492, and meet with
the people responsible for the creation of this private historical venture in the
Jewish Quarter. There we will enjoy our eighth Learning Session with Dr. Ray on
POETRY, PHILOSOPHY, AND JUDAISM IN MUSLIM SPAIN.
Later, we will check into the hotel and have the late afternoon and evening at
leisure.
Meals:
Breakfast
Overnight:
Eurostars Palace, Cordoba
Prado Museum in Madrid
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Friday, June 3rd – Day 9 – Cordoba / Madrid
Morning: After an early breakfast and check-out, we will travel by bullet train to Madrid.
Our first stop in Madrid will be at one of the world's most renowned art museums,
the Prado.
We will then visit to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor to bear witness to the
many auto de-fe's that took place. We will use the setting of the Plaza Mayor for
our ninth Learning Session on THE CONVERSOS AND THE RISE OF THE SPANISH
INQUISITION.
Afternoon: Lunch on our own in the Plaza Mayor. Before heading to our hotel, we will take a
panoramic city tour including Puerta de Alcala, "Alcala Gate", and a monument
in the Plaza de la Independencia, "Independence Square". We will also see Plaza
Colon, known for its unique statues celebrating the voyages of Columbus, view
the magnificent fountains of Poseidon and Cibeles.
We will arrive to the hotel for check-in and time to relax. We will then take the
motor coach to services.
Evening: Kabbalat Shabbat services in Madrid will be hosted by the Bet El Synagogue, a
Masorti congregation founded in 1991. Services will be followed with a festive
Erev Shabbat meal with members of Bet El Synagogue at the synagogue.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight: Nuevo Madrid, Madrid
Saturday, June 4th – Day 10 – Shabbat in Madrid
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, you are invited to Shabbat morning services at Bet El
Synagogue. Services will be followed by Shabbat lunch and a dialogue with
leaders of Bet El Synagogue.
Afternoon: The afternoon is at leisure.
Evening: Dinner on your own and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight: Nuevo Madrid, Madrid
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Toledo
Sunday, June 5th – Day 11 – Toledo / Madrid
Morning: After breakfasting at the hotel, we will have our tenth Learning Session on
BETWEEN CRESCENT AND CROSS – SPANISH JEWS AS TRANSMITTERS OF
KNOWLEDGE. We will board the motor coach for our ride to Toledo.
It is not by accident that we saved this breathtaking city for the end of our study
tour. Toledo remains much as it was in the 16th century.
Panoramic tour of the city before heading down to the city itself.
Our tour of the city will include the Jewish Quarter, the Samuel Halevi Abulafia
Synagogue - which was turned into a church known as Nuestra Senora del
Tranisito - the Sephardic Museum and the Santa Maria La Blanca Church
(formerly the Grand Synagogue).
Afternoon: We will have lunch on our own, en route. If time permits, we will visit the El Greco
Museum, dedicated to the painter, and the influence his work and personality
had on early 17th century Toledo and the Grand Toledo Cathedral.
We will then return to Madrid for free time for last-minute packing, shopping, or to
relax.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Evening: We will then gather together at a local restaurant for our eleventh and final
Learning Session AFTER 1492: THE SEPHARDIC LEGACY to wrap up our study tour.
Then we will partake in a festive Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight: Nuevo Madrid, Madrid
Monday, June 6th – Day 12 – Departure
Breakfast: After breakfast and check-out, we will transfer to Madrid International Airport for
those who wish to return to the U.S. or travel elsewhere. Arrive in the USA the same
day.
Meals: Breakfast
This Itinerary is subject to change.
Please Note
It may get extremely hot in southern Spain. Please bring a hat and drink water constantly to avoid
dehydration. Also, we will be doing a good deal of walking during the study tour including on
cobblestone streets and climbing stairs. This may be difficult for some.
The Scholar
Jonathan Ray, Ph.D., is the Samuel Eig Associate Professor of Jewish Studies at
Georgetown University. He holds degrees from Tufts University in History and Religion
and a Ph.D. in Jewish History from The Jewish Theological Seminary. Jonathan
specializes in medieval and early modern Jewish history, focusing on the Sephardic
world. He has taught at UCLA, Yale University, Drew University, and The Jewish
Theological Seminary. His research explores the convivencia, or coexistence,
between Christian, Muslim, and Jewish societies in Iberia and throughout the
broader Mediterranean world.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
For Questions and to Register
For Travel Questions and Registration:
Miriam Osman, Travel Consultant
Gil Travel Group in the NYC Office
212-284-6666
For Other Questions:
Moshe Margolin, Director
Jewish Explorations
866-898-0037
[email protected] The Registration Deadline is February 12, 2016
Special Features
• Professor Jonathan Ray will be our Scholar and will present 11 Learning Sessions during
the course of the study tour.
• Sonia Marin will be our Gil Travel Escort throughout the study tour. Guides in Spain are
licensed by region. Sonia will serve as our guide in the Barcelona area and will be joined
by her colleagues in other parts of the country.
Educational Materials
• Pre-Departure Bibliography prepared by Professor Ray.
• Source Book prepared by Professor Ray.
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Based on a minimum of 20 participants.
$500 deposit required upon registration.
The above prices include:
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
International Flights
(Complete Package Only)
FLIGHT DATE FROM/TO DEPARTURE
TIME ARRIVAL TIME
UNITED 120 MAY 26, 2016 NEWARK/BARCELONA 6:50 PM 9:05 AM (MAY 27)
UNITED 965 JUNE 6, 2016 MADRID/NEWARK 11:35 AM 2:15 PM
The experts at the Gil Travel Group stand ready to help with your flights
from departure locations other than Newark Liberty International Airport.
Meals
DATE MEAL
MAY 27 WELCOME DINNER
MAY 31 BOXED LUNCH
JUNE 3 SHABBAT DINNER AT BEIT EL
JUNE 4 SHABBAT LUNCH AT BEIT EL
JUNE 5 FAREWELL DINNER
BREAKFAST DAILY AT THE HOTEL
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Also Includes:
Sightseeing and Transportation
10 days of sightseeing including entrance fees to all sights on itinerary using a deluxe air
conditioned motor coach and the services of an English speaking guide.
Internal Airfare
Flight between Barcelona and Cordoba.
Porterage
1 piece of luggage per person at each hotel and airport.
Tips
Tips to the guides, driver, and chambermaid are included. Tips
for all group meals are included.
Other Special Features
• Gil Travel document kit.
• Bottled water on the bus each day.
Package does not include:
Travel Insurance Provided exclusively by Travelex, purchased through Gil Travel:
http://www.giltravel.com/israel-travel-resources/israel-travel-insurance.html
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Discover Jewish Civilization Around the Globe
The Golden Age of Spain May 26 to June 7, 2016
Meals
Lunches and dinners not mentioned in itinerary.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are not included and will be billed per consumption.
Guests Guests for meals are not included and will be billed at the end of the trip.
Personal Expenses
All personal expenses including souvenirs, laundry services, valet service, phone calls, etc. are
not included in the package price.
SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS
• $500 deposit per person due with application by February 12, 2016.
• Balance due 60 days prior to departure – March 25, 2016
CANCELLATION POLICY • Cancellations received up to January 20, 2016– forfeit $100.00 per person
• January 21 –March 24, 2016- $500.00 per person will be assessed
• March 25-April 22, 2016- $2,000.00 per person will be assessed
• April 23, 2016 to departure – no refund
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Reproduction without permission is prohibited by law.