Podcasts about latino life

In this week’s show our guest is Juan Marcos Bejarano Gutierrez, a graduate from Siegal College and Spertus Institute of Jewish Learning and Leadership. He is a rabbi who received ordination from Yeshiva Mesilat Yesharim. He lives in Dallas and is a researcher in Spanish Jewish history. He is the author of Secret Jews: The Complex Identity of Crypto-Jews and Crypto-Judaism. As part two of our exploration of the surviving Jewish communities in Latin America which have encountered much the religious persecution, since their massive exodus from Spain. Dr. Bejarano Gutierrez book describes the struggles of the Anusim or Conversos (forced converts) and shows through historical sources that these converts and their children were, more often than not, treated as Jews by the rabbis of that period. This book shows, through the well researched sources, that the current tendency of some authorities to reject the descendants of the Anusim is more driven by political reasons rather than based on religious, legal or historical precedence. Dr. Bejarano Gutierrez is also the founder of Benei Anusim Center for Education which provides opportunities for the descendants of Crypto-Jews in our day.

In this week’s show our guest is David Ramírez, a former Counselor to the Board of Directors for Congregation Ess Hayim – the Spanish and Portuguese Jews of Houston. He is an independent researcher on Sephardic history and currently lives in Mexico. Our topic is the surviving Jewish communities in Latin America which have encountered much the religious persecution, since their massive exodus from Spain. There was a thriving Jewish community in Iberian Peninsula for centuries. The time period we discuss started in the 14th century as Jews were forcibly baptized bringing about the phenomenon where they practiced Judaism underground. The descendants of these Spanish-Portuguese Jews in Latin America have been returning to the greater Jewish community for centuries. However, this process has been a difficult one due to how some groups being more insular than others. In Jewish law the term “Anusim” is applied to these forced converts, whether of Spain, Portugal, Persia, Hungary, or elsewhere, and to their descendants. Although the original forced converts and their children should be treated as Jews; there has been a tendency by some authorities to reject them. Many Hispanics whose families are aware of Jewish descent and who wish to be accepted as part of a normative Jewish community face difficulties. Without conversion or formal return, they often find themselves marginalized in the synagogue or temple, unable to marry in the synagogue, or unable to settle permanently in Israel. David M. Gitlitz in his 1996 book Secrecy and Deceit demonstrates that conversos in Spain, Portugal, and the New Spain continued to uphold the Jewish Law, practices, and traditions held by their forefathers well after and during the inquisitions. They also formed communities, holding services in homes of Old Christians who were sympathetic to Jews, and having their own leaders and prayer books. Spanish Jewish Religious Philosopher Moses Maimonides wrote in the 12th century the following regarding Anusim: “How can God not reward a Jew who has been coerced by force of persecution yet secretly performs some commandments? … One who transgresses under duress is not called a sinner, nor wicked, nor is he disqualified…. It is improper to reject those who desanctify the Sabbath or to despise them, rather one should welcome them and encourage them…. Even a voluntary sinner who comes to the synagogue to pray is accepted and is not to be insulted.” There is a growing number of rabbis that support the reintegration of the Anusim such as Conservative Rabbi David Kunin, Joseph Garcia who was commissioned by the Renewal movement and has found backing from some Conservative rabbis, while others that are friendly toward Anusim such as Cuban American Orthodox rabbi Manny Vinas. Many scholars have tacked this issue before such as Ben Zion Netanyahu, Norman Roth and Henry Kamen. They view Conversos not as secret Jews, but as sincere Catholics who were falsely accused of practicing Judaism due to their Jewish lineage. On the other hand, Haim Beinart and Yitzhak Baer, show from multiple historical sources that many Crypto-Jews were willing to be martyred to honor Jewish tradition, some where just trying to survive and others were syncretistic in their beliefs. According to an article by Ashley Perry: “Almost every Jewish tradition has been kept somewhere by some family of Bnei Anusim. There are amulets that have been passed down from generation to generation that contain the mezuza scroll. There are women who go to a dark room every Friday at dusk to light candles in a bowl of water; the water was so that in case the inquisitors would arrive, they could quickly extinguish the flames. This is done to this very day, and many times without even their closest family ever becoming aware of this ritual, until it is time to explain it to the eldest daughter.” (Kol Nidre and the Bnei Anusim)

After two sleepless years, Rafael “Ray” Collazo finally listened to his heart and founded Rays Podcast Network on Easter Sunday of 2013. Ray began Rays Latino Talk Podcast so everyone can have the inspiration and tools to release their immense greatness. Collazo felt compelled to share life lessons he had experienced through his unique personal journey to help others have the courage to listen to their heart. As Rays Podcast grew, Ray wanted to dedicate specific content to subject areas he particularly appreciates like Sports, Politics and Latina Empowerment, thus the creation of Latino Sports Talk, Latinos Talk Politics and Rays Latina Voices. Ray is passionate about creating platforms so we can all learn from the incredible ‘Rays Of Light’ amongst us that can help transform our lives with their powerful messages. Collazo is a seasoned and acclaimed campaign professional and strategist who helps lead the political affairs for a prominent national civil rights organization. He believes anyone can have their values reflected in our larger society as long as they ‘own’ being the boss of their own life. Collazo is exuberant about the opportunity to take his talents and passion for personal development, leadership, conversation and Latino Life to building an online media platform to raise the voices of the Rays Podcast Network Community. Ray is most proud of being a family man who loves spending time with his wife Michelle, sons Troy and Maxwell and an extended network of family and friends. In his spare time, Ray enjoys traveling, listening to podcasts and following his beloved Philadelphia Phillies…well maybe not beloved this year :-). You can contact Rafael “Ray” Collazo at podcastrays@gmail.com and on Twitter at @collazophilly. What you'll learn Ray's American dream and his journey to pursue it How Ray led the largest Latino non-partisan voter registration drive in the US as an  activitist How Ray is helping raise awareness of the value the Latino community is contributing to this country Why the "safe" path is actually riskier as it limits Latino's earnings potential How Ray started Latino Talk one of the first Latino podcasts in the US Ray and I talk about the bright future of Latino podcasting The tremendous online business potential of Latino and Latina entrepreneurs Why the concept of working smarter not harder is sometimes difficult for Latinos/as to internalize The tremendous pool of Latino talent and creativity How to own your platform online Why podcasting is such a powerful learning method Resources & Links Latino Talk Podcast Latino Sports Talk Latinos Talk Politics Ray on Twitter Thank you so much for listening ! If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe on  iTunes  and Stitcher and leave us a rating and a review.  This helps us to reach more Latinos and Latinas.