Who is a Crypto Jew?
The history of the Jews of Spain spans more than a thousand years. It ended tragically in 1492 with the edict of expulsion issued by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella … Continue reading
Crypto Jewish Practices in New Spain
It’s difficult to provide a complete list of Crypto-Jewish observances that Judaizing Conversos in the New World maintained, but the following list represents common practices. Fast Days: Yom Kippur- El … Continue reading
Conversos in New Mexico
The earliest exploration of New Mexico occurred in 1540 under Francisco Vazquez de Coronado. The first Converso adventurer was Gaspar Castano who was identified as Portuguese. He accompanied Alberto del … Continue reading
Conversos Trades in New Spain
Conversos in New Spain were active in all types of trades. Of those arrested for Judaizing in the mid-seventeenth century, ~17% were involved in non-commercial trades: Tailors Silversmiths Bakers Saddlers … Continue reading
Portuguese Crypto-Jews in New Spain
Crypto-Jewish activity in New Spain is often characterized as a Portuguese Crypto-Jewish phenomenon. I Mexican Inquisitional documents note the following: 73% descended from Portuguese born grandfathers 57% from Portuguese born … Continue reading
Simon Vaez de Sevilla
This is the third of what I refer to as mini-posts that will focus on facts related to Crypto-Jews/Conversos in the New World. Born in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia … Continue reading
Conversos Who Supported Columbus
This is the second of what I refer to as mini-posts that will focus on facts related to Crypto-Jews/Conversos in the New World. The following is a list of Conversos … Continue reading
Conversos with Columbus
This is the first of what I refer to as mini-posts that will focus on facts related to Crypto-Jews/Conversos in the New World. The following is a list of Conversos … Continue reading
