Casa del Judío Toledo

You are now in the heart of the old Jewish quarter of Toledo, in front of a place that keeps some of its most interesting secrets: the Casa del Judío. Upon entering, look first at the patio and the plasterwork that still decorates its walls. But save a little attention for what you will find under your feet. Go down to the basement. A structure is preserved here that was possibly related to a mikveh, the Jewish ritual bath used for spiritual purification. Imagine for a moment this space centuries ago, when water and ritual were part of the daily life of the Jewish community of Toledo. But before leaving the house, I want to show you a detail that is very easy to overlook. Stop for a moment and look up at the wooden lintel above the basement entrance. Observe carefully. Among the floral motifs carved into the wood appears a Hebrew inscription whose translation says: “I thank you, because you have answered me.” They are words related to Psalm 118 and that seem to welcome those who pass through this place. And now comes the most intriguing part. Due to its characteristics and its resemblance to a piece that can still be seen next to the entrance to the Tránsito Synagogue, it has been suggested that this wood could originally come from an old synagogue and that, some time later, it was reused here…

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