Debbie and I are extraordinarily pleased to invite you to join us in an exploration of one of the most consequential eras in Jewish history: the Golden Age of Spanish Jewry.
Together, we will journey through the heart of Sephardic civilization — from the grand boulevards, extraordinary museums, and vibrant culinary culture of Madrid to Toledo, the emotional and intellectual center of medieval Sephardic life; from Córdoba, the home of Maimonides and one of the great cities of convivencia, to Seville and finally Granada, the last great stronghold of Muslim Spain before 1492.
Along the way, we will explore not only Jewish history, but the broader story of Spain itself — its art, architecture, food, music, and layered civilizations. This is one of the world’s great cultural landscapes, and one that shaped Jewish life for centuries.
We are also offering an optional pre-trip excursion to Catalonia, based in Barcelona and featuring visits to Girona and Besalú. Barcelona itself is one of Europe’s most dynamic and beautiful cities, blending Gothic history, modernist architecture, Mediterranean culture, and extraordinary cuisine. Girona is home to one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in the world, while Besalú tells the story of a once-thriving Jewish community through its rare medieval mikveh and historic remains.
Beyond the sites themselves, a Temple Judea tour is distinguished by deep learning, both before and during the trip. In Spain, we will be accompanied by exceptional educators and guides whose knowledge of Spanish history, Sephardic Jewry, religion, culture, and architecture will profoundly enrich our experience.
The main trip will convene in Madrid on Thursday evening, March 11, 2027 and conclude in Granada on Friday morning, March 19, 2027.
The optional Catalonia pre-trip excursion will begin in Barcelona on Monday, March 8, 2027 and conclude on the morning of Thursday, March 11, 2027.
Catalonia Pre-Trip Registration Link
When you open the registration page, click the tab at the bottom right labeled “Registration Open.” You will then see several accommodation options for the hotels on the trip. Select your preferred option and follow the registration instructions carefully.
Please note: if you are registering for both the pre-trip excursion and the main trip, you must complete separate registrations for each.
Additional Information
- Over the years, I have found that the most successful synagogue journeys are intimate in size and highly relational in nature. Ideally, I prefer trips of approximately 24 participants. However, because interest in Spain is already exceptionally strong, we are allowing this trip to expand to a maximum of 34 participants, plus Deb and me.
- Registration is currently open only to Temple Judea members who have previously traveled with me. As a gesture of appreciation to our returning travelers, anyone who registers by May 29, 2026 will receive a $180 per person credit toward their final payment.
- Registration will open to the broader Temple Judea community on Monday, June 1, 2026 at regular pricing.
- Please read all registration materials and fine print carefully so that you clearly understand what is and is not included in the trip cost.
- No space is guaranteed until a deposit has been received. Once registered, I strongly encourage the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance.
- This journey is open to Temple Judea members and their immediate families. Relatives and close friends of Temple Judea members are welcome, but I ask that you speak with me before registering.
- If you have any questions at all, I would be pleased to speak with you. I'd be happy to meet in person or speak overy the phone.
I very much hope you will join us for what promises to be an extraordinary journey through one of the great chapters of Jewish history.
