Legends of the Lost Tribes: Chapter 11 - Sephardic Bnei Anusim (USA)

“Legends of the Lost Tribes” is an invitation to explore the hidden history of the Hebrew faith, to extend beyond the boundaries inherent in the concept of the “Jewish People”. The essence of the Hebrew movement, of which Judaism is only a small fragment, has touched the whole of mankind. This chapter portrays Magda, a descendant of the Crypto-Jews, living in Dallas, Texas. Five hundred years ago her ancestors, who were forced to convert to Christianity, fled from the Spanish Inquisition to the New World, where they continued to be persecuted. They were called the “New Christians” and for generations have continued to cherish the Jewish traditions in complete secrecy. They developed and entire lifestyle based on fear, concealment and suspicion, that continues till this day. Like many others with similar roots, Magda, a daughter of a priest, did not know that Jews still exist until she went to college,. When she learned more about Jewish customs, she was amazed by its resemblance to her family tradition. Despite the difficulty in breaking an age-old habit of hiding and fear, she courageously started a personal quest to find her way back to Judaism.
It is impossible to remain indifferent to the emotional drama that accompanies Magda’s moving story.