Much of Crypto-Jewish history often focuses on Spain, but Portugal, of course, was a key site of Crypto-Jewish activity. The…
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…
Conflicted Identities
In 2006, I was attending several week-long classes at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago. One…
The Portuguese Conspiracy
In 1640, the Duque de Braganca (King Joao IV) succeeded in throwing off Spanish rule in Portugal. Portuguese settlers were…
¿Qué es la Oración Judía?
Cada tradición religiosa incluye una forma de oración ó meditación. Siendo este el caso. ¿Qué es exactamente lo que caracteriza…
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…
Conversos in New Mexico
The earliest exploration of New Mexico occurred in 1540 under Francisco Vazquez de Coronado. The first Converso adventurer was Gaspar…
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,…
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:…
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…
B'nei Anusim Center for Education 