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
Vayikra-First-Aliyah-Spanish-Portuguese Tradition
This is the first aliyah of Parashat Vayikra chanted in the Spanish-Portuguese tradition. This is Leviticus 1:1-13. Posted by Rabbi Juan Marcos Bejarano Gutierrez the director of the B’nei Anusim … Continue reading
What is Kosher?
While this site is dedicated to the Crypto-Jewish Experience in all its forms, Jewish education is also a key concern. Today Amazon is running a special promotion on the Kindle … Continue reading
Early Inquisitional Cases in New Spain
Amidst the momentous events of 1492, the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were looking to the future. Christopher Columbus’ adventure was endorsed by the Crown, and an uncharted voyage across … Continue reading
David Reubeni and the Ten Lost Tribes
An excerpt from Conversos and the Sabbatean Movement The prominence of the idea of the Ten Lost Tribes in Jewish circles is also reflected in the much earlier reference by … Continue reading
Portuguese Jewish Heritage Exists Beyond Lisbon
Much of Crypto-Jewish history often focuses on Spain, but Portugal, of course, was a key site of Crypto-Jewish activity. The circumstances were often different than in Castile or Aragon but … Continue reading
Genetic Research: 25% of Hispanics Have Jewish DNA
The growing proliferation of DNA and genealogical services have led to increased cataloging of DNA markers. Many Hispanics have taken these tests and as a consequence have discovered likely Jewish … Continue reading
Conflicted Identities
In 2006, I was attending several week-long classes at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. One of the classes was titled “Who is a Jew?” and … Continue reading
