Welcome to the first edition of “Nashuva,” a newsletter dedicated to reach out to those that are interested in everything related to “crypto-Jews,” the “Anusim,” the “Marranos” and the “Conversos” from the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The word “Nashuva” is taken from the Book of Lamentations 5:21 where it reads: “Hashiveinu Adonai Elecha, v’nashuva: chadesh yameinu k’kedem.” “Return us to You, Adonai, and we will return. Renew our days as in days of old.” We don’t believe there is a more fitting title for this newsletter than our plea for G-d to return us to him… as in days of old.
But, who are we? Why are we publishing a newsletter? Who do we want to reach? For what reason? These and many other questions, will be answered through the pages of this first edition.
In this issue, you will find out whose vision was it to reach out to The Anusim – the children of the forced ones during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. As you learn about Rabbi Stephen Leon, his story and his passion to reach out to the ones that have religious Jewish heritage and the historical items that validate their stories, to the ones that claim to have an “old Jewish soul” and are in a quest to discover their Jewish roots. Learn about his vision and mission to build a center where people can find the resources they need to learn more about this spiritual global movement, and network with people that have the same desires and share similar stories to yours.
Nashuva, was developed with the help of people in the El Paso/ Juarez, Mexico community who are heavily invested in finding their Jewish roots. In this issue, you will learn about The Anusim Center, its board of directors, read a message from the president and the history of Captain Lucas Garcia, ancestor of two of its founders and board members: Ralph and John Garcia. On page 6 and 7, learn about the rituals and traditions of a Sephardic Passover,
and the newest addition to the world of haggadot – The Haggadah of the New World, published by Gaon Books. On page 5, learn about the history of “Santa Ester,” the crypto-Jew Queen married to Persia’s King Ahasuerus. Esther became the savior of her people during her husband’s reign, and has been one of many revered Catholic Saints by “Conversos” throughout time. We remember Queen Esther during the Festival of Purim, a festival that was observed during the month of March at Jewish communities around the world.
We invite you to be part of this exciting new phase of the Anusim Center and its newsletter. If you would like to join the center find the membership application form on page 9. Your contribution will support the efforts to reach out to more people in our community and the entire world. Technology allows us to reach more people through our web page, we want to make sure our resources are available to those that are still seeking where to start, and for those that have a story to tell, you are most welcome to share your story with us!
Hashiveinu Adonai Elecha, v’nashuva: chadesh yameinu k’kedem. We shall return!
- Blanca Carrasco.
But, who are we? Why are we publishing a newsletter? Who do we want to reach? For what reason? These and many other questions, will be answered through the pages of this first edition.
In this issue, you will find out whose vision was it to reach out to The Anusim – the children of the forced ones during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. As you learn about Rabbi Stephen Leon, his story and his passion to reach out to the ones that have religious Jewish heritage and the historical items that validate their stories, to the ones that claim to have an “old Jewish soul” and are in a quest to discover their Jewish roots. Learn about his vision and mission to build a center where people can find the resources they need to learn more about this spiritual global movement, and network with people that have the same desires and share similar stories to yours.
Nashuva, was developed with the help of people in the El Paso/ Juarez, Mexico community who are heavily invested in finding their Jewish roots. In this issue, you will learn about The Anusim Center, its board of directors, read a message from the president and the history of Captain Lucas Garcia, ancestor of two of its founders and board members: Ralph and John Garcia. On page 6 and 7, learn about the rituals and traditions of a Sephardic Passover,
and the newest addition to the world of haggadot – The Haggadah of the New World, published by Gaon Books. On page 5, learn about the history of “Santa Ester,” the crypto-Jew Queen married to Persia’s King Ahasuerus. Esther became the savior of her people during her husband’s reign, and has been one of many revered Catholic Saints by “Conversos” throughout time. We remember Queen Esther during the Festival of Purim, a festival that was observed during the month of March at Jewish communities around the world.
We invite you to be part of this exciting new phase of the Anusim Center and its newsletter. If you would like to join the center find the membership application form on page 9. Your contribution will support the efforts to reach out to more people in our community and the entire world. Technology allows us to reach more people through our web page, we want to make sure our resources are available to those that are still seeking where to start, and for those that have a story to tell, you are most welcome to share your story with us!
Hashiveinu Adonai Elecha, v’nashuva: chadesh yameinu k’kedem. We shall return!
- Blanca Carrasco.
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Nashuva Newsletter (English)
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Nashuva Newsletter (Spanish)
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