Descendants of 'anusim' to spend Rosh Hashana with the Sharanskys

Jerusalem Post ^ | Sep. 24, 2003 | ABIGAIL RADOSZKOWICZ

[yonif]

Loana Spinoza and Joel Layo, a young couple from Mexico who are descendents of forcibly converted Jews, will be celebrating Rosh Hashana at the home of Minister-without-Portfolio Natan Sharansky.

The Sharansky family answered the call of Amishav, the organization assisting descendents of Jews seeking to return to their people, to demonstrate a warm welcome by hosting descendents of anusim (Hebrew for "those who were coerced,") for Rosh Hashana.

Spinoza, a translator by profession, explained that it was her famous last name which set off her journey to her roots. "At college in Mexico City, Jewish classmates would often ask me if I was related to the philosopher. I started to ask questions of members of my family and to trace my genealogy and discovered that signs from both sides of my family that we were descended from anusim."

The father and grandfather of Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) were themselves originally Spanish crypto-Jews before they moved to Amsterdam, where Spinoza was born.

Spinoza initially met her husband, Joel Loyo, when they were both learning Russian in a language school in Mexico City, but started to date when they bumped into each other on their journey of searching.

Though observant, the couple initially resisted conversion. "We felt that we already belonged, that we were taken away, and so shouldn't have to convert in the same way as someone who has no Jewish roots. Also, very few Orthodox conversions are carried out [in South America] because they are often not recognized in Israel."

Walking down the streets of Mexico City, Joel's skullcap would attract the attention of many people curious about their own Jewish roots, and the couple would invite them home for a Sabbath meal.

Spinoza recalls that while her father's family members were practicing Catholics, they retained certain practices that she now realizes were part of a forgotten Jewish tradition.

The couple are now among 20 descendents of anusim currently learning at the Machon Miriam Conversion and Return Institute in Jerusalem in preparation for conversion. The institute boasts 25 graduates who have already converted.

Besides anusim, the Spanish-speaking institute is geared to those who immigrated from South American under the Law of Return but are not halachicly Jewish.

[Malesherbes]

Thanks for the very interesting post. I'm not Jewish but I have long regarded Natan Sharansky as one of the heroes of the 20th century. The courage with which he stood up to the Soviet KGB defines both faith and manhood. I'm glad that in thiscentury he now plays an important role in Israel.

[glaux]

Anusism? Sounds like the latest iteration of Episcopal doctrine.