The following article highlights the growing attraction of Judaism for Hispanics in many Latin American countries. Some of these individuals may claim to descendant from Conversos, Crypto Jews, Anusim, Marranos, or secret Jews, while others may not. Whatever their origin, these individuals are highlighting the history of Spanish and Portuguese Jewry which has been forgotten by many Jews as well as non-Jews for some time.
The article did not address it, but this phenomenon raises the question about how most Latin American Jewish communities are closed to those who are interested in recovering their Jewish identity or those looking to embrace it. By and large most orthodox communities, whether they are Ashkenazic or Sephardic (i.e. Syrian, Lebanese, Turkish, etc.) in Latin America are not generally disposed towards anyone outside of their communities.
In another post, I hope to address this issue.
Posted Rabbi Juan Bejarano-Gutierrez the director of the B’nei Anusim Center for Education and author of What is Kosher?
B'nei Anusim Center for Education 