first synagogue was built in 1631-1632 when there were barely over ten Jewish families living on the island. At the beginning of the 18th century, the Jewish community numbered more than 50 people.

In 1702, by order of the Grand Duke, the Jews of Portoferraio were required to live on a designated street, Via degli Ebrei or Street of the Hebrews (now called via Elbano Gasperi) which constituted a small ghetto which they were not allowed to leave after 1 o'clock in the morning. At about this time, Abraham Pardo, son of Isaac, was forbidden