Anusim

The Abravanel, Duarte and Verdugo International One important aspect of this mission is the recognition and support of the ANUSIM community.

ANUSIM, also known as Marranos, are descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th and 16th centuries. These individuals and their descendants often continued to practice Judaism in secret, while outwardly adhering to Christianity. The term "anusim" means "forced ones" in Hebrew, reflecting the fact that these individuals were often coerced into abandoning their Jewish faith.

The history of the ANUSIM dates back to the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. Many Jews chose to convert to Christianity rather than leave their homeland, and were subsequently targeted by the Inquisition. Those who were suspected of secretly practicing Judaism were often tortured and executed, leading many others to publicly convert to Christianity to avoid persecution.

Despite their conversion, many ANUSIM continued to practice Judaism in secret, often passing down their traditions and customs through generations. In recent years, there has been a growing movement among ANUSIM to reclaim their Jewish heritage and reconnect with the broader Jewish community.

The Abravanel, Duarte and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation is dedicated to supporting ANUSIM in this process. Through educational programs, cultural events, and outreach initiatives, the foundation seeks to raise awareness about the ANUSIM community and provide resources and support for those seeking to reconnect with their Jewish roots.

If you are interested in learning more about ANUSIM and the work of the Abravanel, Duarte and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation, we encourage you to explore our website and reach out to us with any questions or comments.

Sources:

- "ANUSIM." Jewish Virtual Library, American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/anusim.

- "ANUSIM/Marranos." My Jewish Learning, www.myjewishlearning.com/article/anusimmarranos/.

- "Who Are the ANUSIM?" Shavei Israel, www.shavei.org/who-are-the-anusim/.

The Abravanel, Duarte, and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation is committed to preserving and promoting the history and culture of Sephardic Jews around the world. One important aspect of this mission is the recognition and support of Crypto Jews.

Crypto Jews are individuals and communities of Jewish descent who have hidden their Jewish identity and practices, often due to persecution or forced conversion. The term "crypto" refers to the secret nature of their Jewish identity.

Crypto Jews can be found in many different parts of the world, including Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the southwestern United States. Their history dates back centuries, with many communities tracing their covert Jewish practices back to the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The reasons for Crypto Jews hiding their Jewish identity are complex and varied. Many were forced to convert to Christianity under threat of persecution or death, but continued to secretly practice Judaism. Others chose to hide their Jewish identity to avoid discrimination or prejudice in their communities. Some Crypto Jews have only recently discovered their Jewish roots and are seeking to reconnect with their heritage.

The Abravanel, Duarte, and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation is dedicated to supporting Crypto Jews in their journey of rediscovery and reconnection with their Jewish heritage. Through educational programs, cultural events, and outreach initiatives, the foundation seeks to raise awareness about Crypto Jews and provide resources and support for those seeking to reconnect with their Jewish roots.

If you are interested in learning more about Crypto Jews and the work of the Abravanel, Duarte, and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation, we encourage you to explore our website and reach out to us with any questions or comments.

Sources:

- "Crypto-Judaism." Jewish Virtual Library, American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/crypto-judaism.

- "The Secret Jews: A Different Identity." The Jerusalem Post, 19 Feb. 2018, www.jpost.com/Opinion/The-secret-Jews-A-different-identity-542188.

- "Crypto Jews in New Mexico." New Mexico State University, www.nmsu.edu/~ucomm/Releases/2005/may/crypto_jews.htm.

The Abravanel, Duarte, and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and promoting the history and culture of Sephardic Jews worldwide. One important aspect of this mission is recognizing and supporting Marrano Jews.

Who are Marrano Jews? The term "Marrano" refers to Jews who were forcibly converted to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th and 16th centuries. The word "marrano" means "swine" in Spanish, and was used as a derogatory term to refer to these Jews who were thought to have converted to Christianity out of fear or to avoid persecution.

What happened to Marrano Jews? After their forced conversion, many Marrano Jews secretly continued to practice Judaism while outwardly professing Christianity. The Inquisition targeted these Jews, often torturing and executing them as heretics. Many Marrano Jews fled Spain and Portugal to escape persecution, while others continued to live secret Jewish lives in their home countries.

When did the Marrano Jews exist? The Marrano Jews existed during the Spanish Inquisition in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. However, the term "Marrano" has been used to refer to secret Jews in other parts of the world and in later time periods as well.

Where are Marrano Jews found? Marrano Jews can be found in many parts of the world, including Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the southwestern United States. Many Marrano Jews eventually returned to their Jewish roots and openly practiced Judaism, while others continued to live secret Jewish lives.

Why are Marrano Jews important? The Marrano Jews represent a significant chapter in the history of the Jewish people. Despite facing persecution and discrimination, they maintained their Jewish identity and practices in secret, passing them down through generations. Today, many Marrano Jews are seeking to reconnect with their Jewish roots and reclaim their heritage.

The Abravanel, Duarte, and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation is committed to supporting Marrano Jews in their journey of rediscovery and reconnection with their Jewish heritage. Through educational programs, cultural events, and outreach initiatives, the foundation seeks to raise awareness about Marrano Jews and provide resources and support for those seeking to reconnect with their Jewish roots.

Sources:

- "Marranos." Jewish Virtual Library, American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/marranos.

- "The Secret Jews: A Different Identity." The Jerusalem Post, 19 Feb. 2018, www.jpost.com/Opinion/The-secret-Jews-A-different-identity-542188.

- "Crypto Jews in New Mexico." New Mexico State University, www.nmsu.edu/~ucomm/Releases/2005/may/crypto_jews.htm.Yea 

Welcome to The Abravanel, Duarte and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation. Our mission is to preserve and promote the rich heritage and legacy of Sephardic Jews worldwide. One of the many challenges faced by Sephardic Jews throughout history was the erasure of their cultural and religious identity. This is exemplified by the phenomenon of Marrano Jews being buried in Catholic cemeteries without tombstones or plaques to commemorate their Jewish heritage.

Who were the Marrano Jews buried without tombstones or plaques? The Marrano Jews buried without tombstones or plaques were Sephardic Jews who were forcibly converted to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition in the late 15th century. These converted Jews, also known as conversos or crypto-Jews, often practiced their faith in secret and were buried in Catholic cemeteries without any indication of their Jewish identity.

What was life like for Marrano Jews buried without tombstones or plaques? For Marrano Jews buried without tombstones or plaques, life was fraught with danger and uncertainty. They were forced to conceal their Jewish identity and practice their faith in secret, often in the privacy of their own homes. When they died, they were often buried in Catholic cemeteries without any indication of their Jewish heritage, as the Catholic Church did not allow Jews to be buried in consecrated ground.

When did the practice of burying Marrano Jews without tombstones or plaques end? The practice of burying Marrano Jews without tombstones or plaques officially ended with the abolition of the Spanish Inquisition in the early 19th century. However, the legacy of this practice continued to impact Sephardic Jewish culture for generations, as many Marrano Jews struggled to maintain their Jewish identity and traditions in secret.

Where can we learn more about the history of Marrano Jews buried without tombstones or plaques? The Abravanel, Duarte and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history of Marrano Jews buried without tombstones or plaques. Our foundation houses an extensive collection of historical documents, artifacts, and oral histories that provide insight into the experiences of Sephardic Jews, including Marrano Jews, throughout history. We also offer educational programs, lectures, and events that explore the rich cultural heritage of Sephardic Jews around the world.

Why is it important to remember the history of Marrano Jews buried without tombstones or plaques? The history of Marrano Jews buried without tombstones or plaques is a poignant reminder of the erasure of Sephardic Jewish culture and the enduring power of faith and tradition in the face of adversity. It is also a call to action to ensure that the memory and legacy of Marrano Jews is never forgotten. By raising awareness of this little-known aspect of Sephardic Jewish history, we can honor the memory of those who were buried without tombstones or plaques and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Sephardic Jews for future generations.

Sources:

- "Marranos." Jewish Virtual Library, American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/marranos.

- "The Inquisition and Marranos." My Jewish Learning, My Jewish Learning Inc., www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-inquisition-and-marranos/.

- "The Crypto-Jewish Cemetery." Jewish Virtual Library, American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-crypto-jewish-cemetery.