De teba (bima) in de Portugese Synagoge te Amsterdam, ca. 1695 c. 1695

Around 1695, Romeyn de Hooghe created this print depicting the teba, or bima, inside the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam. The synagogue itself was a testament to the relative religious tolerance of the Dutch Republic, becoming a sanctuary for Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Portugal and Spain. De Hooghe's detailed rendering captures not only the architectural grandeur but also the social dynamics within the sacred space. Men are separated from women in the upper gallery, a visual manifestation of gendered religious roles. The presence of children and the varied interactions among the congregants suggest a vibrant community life intertwined with religious observance. It's a scene of both solemnity and social exchange, reflective of the complex identities of a community navigating faith, tradition, and the realities of diaspora. This image offers a window into a specific time and place, inviting us to contemplate the intersections of religion, identity, and belonging.