Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, founded in the mid-17th century by Portuguese and Spanish Jews, was the New World’s first. Located on what was formerly called Street of the Jews (today Bom Jesus Street), the original building was torn down during the Inquisition. Today’s fine two-story house with a small museum is a 2001 re-creation of the synagogue following excavations in which the mikva (ritual Jewish bath) was found.