antonio mendez, president of the jewish community, is still amazed that he can pray in a proper synagogue. portugal's jews had been living covertly for so long that hiding their identity and faith had become second nature. >> being able to stand on the street today and say i am a jew means a lot to me. how do we have to carry our religion in our hearts? then the day comes when you can display it in public. that is why the synagogue is so important to us. >> then the israelis started coming. since the jewish community was officially reestablished, the town has regularly seen bus groups with tourist from israel and the u.s. antonio welcomes them, because like most of the community, he is not a fluid hebrew speaker. rabbi elijah has to interpret. the guests respond with the birthday song in honor of the rabbi having become a grandfather. belmonte's in jewish population is manifest in throughout the town. this place produces jewish line. rabbi elijah persuaded local vintners to provide a few bottles of wine for a local jewish festival. now they have expanded the facility and sell the product