Jewish organizations and well wishers around the world rushed to encourage the Belmonte community's return to Orthodox Judaism, building the Bet Eliahu synagogue on a hilltop in the ancient Jewish quarter, with a spectacular view over the verdant Portuguese countryside. Since the community lost its rabbi several years ago, the community has been sharply divided between those wishing to rush ahead with modern Jewish practice and those clinging to vestiges of their former, Marrano existence.