Group of islands in the Atlantic ocean, northwest of Africa, belonging to Portugal. It was a place of refuge for the Jews expelled from that country. At present Ponta Delgada, the capital of the island of São Miguel, Fayal, Terceira, and other islands have some Jewish inhabitants. These are engaged in exporting goods. They keep the Jewish religious observances, but intermarry with Catholics. Christian women, when marrying Jews, often enter the fold of Judaism.
Categories: [Jewish encyclopedia 1906]