The Spanish Inquisition

In this page, we will explore the Spanish Inquisition, a dark period in Sephardic history that had a profound impact on the Jewish community in Spain and beyond.

Who initiated the Spanish Inquisition?

The Spanish Inquisition was initiated by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile in 1478. The monarchs sought to unify their kingdoms under a single religion, Catholicism, and to create a more centralized state. The Inquisition was established as a tool to identify and punish those deemed to be heretics, including Jews, Muslims, and conversos (Jewish converts to Christianity).

What was the Spanish Inquisition?

The Spanish Inquisition was a state-run institution that was responsible for investigating and punishing those who were suspected of heresy. It was initially focused on conversos who were believed to be practicing Judaism in secret. The Inquisition used torture and intimidation to extract confessions, and those who were found guilty were often burned at the stake.

When did the Spanish Inquisition take place?

The Spanish Inquisition began in 1478 and continued until 1834, although its peak period of activity was during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Where did the Spanish Inquisition take place?

The Spanish Inquisition took place primarily in Spain, but also in its colonies in the New World and other territories under Spanish control. It had a significant impact on the Jewish community in Spain, which had lived in the country for centuries and had made significant contributions to its culture and economy.

Why was the Spanish Inquisition significant for Sephardic history?

The Spanish Inquisition was a defining moment in Sephardic history, as it led to the expulsion and forced conversion of thousands of Jews in Spain. Many Sephardic Jews were forced to flee to other parts of Europe, the Ottoman Empire, and North Africa, where they established new communities and continued to contribute to the societies in which they lived. The Inquisition also had a profound impact on the Jewish identity of conversos, who were often caught between their Jewish heritage and their forced conversion to Christianity.

Sources:

Roth, Norman. "The Conversos, the Inquisition, and the Expulsion of the Jews from Spain." Journal of World History, vol. 3, no. 2, 1992, pp. 181-214.

Netanyahu, Benzion. The Origins of the Inquisition in Fifteenth Century Spain. Random House, 1995.

Gerber, Jane S. The Jews of Spain: A History of the Sephardic Experience. Free Press, 1994.

In  this section, we will delve into the Alhambra Decree, a pivotal moment in Sephardic history that had a profound impact on the Jewish community in Spain and beyond.

Who issued the Alhambra Decree?

The Alhambra Decree, also known as the Edict of Expulsion, was issued by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile on March 31, 1492. The monarchs sought to create a more unified, Catholic Spain, and viewed the Jewish community as a threat to their vision of a homogenous society.

What was the Alhambra Decree?

The Alhambra Decree was an edict that ordered the expulsion of all Jews from Spain. The decree gave Jews just four months to leave the country, and those who chose to stay were forced to convert to Christianity or face punishment, including confiscation of property and imprisonment. The decree had a profound impact on the Jewish community in Spain, which had lived in the country for centuries and had made significant contributions to its culture and economy.

When was the Alhambra Decree issued?

The Alhambra Decree was issued on March 31, 1492, the same year that Christopher Columbus set sail on his first voyage to the Americas. The decree was a defining moment in Sephardic history, marking the end of a period of relative tolerance and prosperity for Jews in Spain.

Where did the Alhambra Decree take place?

The Alhambra Decree took place primarily in Spain, but its impact was felt throughout the Sephardic diaspora. Many Sephardic Jews fled to other parts of Europe, the Ottoman Empire, and North Africa, where they established new communities and continued to contribute to the societies in which they lived.

Why was the Alhambra Decree significant for Sephardic history?

The Alhambra Decree was a defining moment in Sephardic history, as it led to the expulsion and forced conversion of thousands of Jews in Spain. The decree had a profound impact on the Jewish identity of conversos, who were often caught between their Jewish heritage and their forced conversion to Christianity. The Sephardic diaspora that resulted from the decree created new communities and cultural traditions that continue to be celebrated today.