A lot of Jews lived in Tomar in the Jewry (later appointed New Street - between the Right Street of the Butcheries and the Mills). The Jewry was closed with chains when the night was falling.

These Jews, as in Rome, had a Synagogue. Located in the New Street (Dr. Joaquim Jacinto) Infant D. Henrique ordered is construction in middle of the 15th Century. He gave lair to the Jews and founded the Jewry.

In 1496 the Jewry was locked up by the Edict of expulsion of the Jews in Portugal. In the first half of the 16th century it was transformed into Municipal prison. In 19th Century it was already a mere warehouse.

The Jews contributed a lot for the economic enlargement of Tomar. They were many and rich.

In 1923, Dr. Samuel Schwarz purchase the Synagogue to Joaquim Cardoso Tavares, restoring it and in 1939 donates the property to the State, in the condition of installing there the Luso-Hebrew Museum.

In 1942/43 workmanships of adaptation for the Museum are made and in 1949 the Synagogue is extended. In 1952 the habitation for the guard is constructed.

This monument, unique in Portugal, is a National Monument, symbol of the religious coexistence in Tomar.