Esnoga

The Judeo-Spanish term for synagogue, Esnoga is also a large synagogue in Amsterdam, also known as the Portuguese Synagogue. Built in 1675, the Esnoga was the largest synagogue in Europe at the time. The Esnoga served as an anchor in the religious life of the local Jewish community while they became more involved in Amsterdam’s secular affairs. It was also a model for the structure of Bevis Marks and most early American synagogues that used the Portuguese rite. Synagogue website. See the Chazzanut Esgnoa to hear what the prayers sound like.