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Promoting the heritage of Jews from Iberia forcibly converted to Catholicism during the Spanish Inquisition

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Crypto-Jewish History

Jews forcibly converted to Catholicism and expelled from Spain and Portugal have a rich history, forming Sephardic communities around the world, including the Americas.

 

 

 
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Poetry

Crypto-Jewish Poetry

Crypto-Jews practiced their religion in hiding after being forcibly converted to Catholicism during the Spanish Inquisition.  Without the benefit of Jewish texts or Rabbis, crypto-Jews developed their own religious poems and prayers.  During trials in Mexico City in the 16th century, those accused of Judaizing were made to recite and sing them.  The Inquisitors transcribed the poems as part of their testimony.  Thus, we have a record of these sacred works.

 

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