Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies 22nd Annual Conference

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By Genie Milgrom

I just returned from the 22nd Annual Conference of the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies that took place this week in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was the first time that I attend this important conference and I was highly impressed with the vast amount of research that is being done in this field. There were papers presented on many facets of Crypto Judaism ranging from new studies in specific areas such as Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and New Mexico as well as on specific people in those same areas.

We were also able to hear personal stories and spiritual journeys , nformation on Land Grants, a preview of a new movie that will be out during the next Jewish Film Fest and much more.

There was much interaction and networking during the breaks, lunches and dinners as we discussed and shared information on new projects as well as our own personal research.

Notable figures that were present were Dr.Samuel Temkin ,Professor Emeritus of Rutgers University and author of Luis de Carvajal—The Origins of Nuevo Reino de Leon who is currently writing an autobiography of Gaspar Castaño de Sosa, and Dr. Abraham Gross from Ben Gurion University in Israel who gave over a fascinating paper on the development and challenges of the returnees in Northeast Brazil. Dr. David Gitlitz, University of Rhode Island (Emeritus) and author of several books including Secrecy and Deceit: The Religion of the Crypto-Jews gave us just a sampling of his incredible research in the Inquisition archives. Sonya Loya kept us spellbound with her personal story: Footsteps of a Converso’s Discoveries . I was also able to present my latest research on the Jewish Past of Fermoselle in the Zamoran region of Spain.

Other topics included Anusim in Ladino Literature,as well as Creating Credible Crypto-Jewish Literature All in all, it was a jam packed two and a half days of new information.

Those that were present were given the latest edition of Ha Lapid, the publication of The Society as well as Volume 4 of the Journal of Spanish, Portuguese and Italian Crypto Jews ,whose Editor in Chief, Dr. Abraham Lavender, makes certain that this academic publication includes only the latest and most up to date information on Crypto Jewry.

As always, it was a special treat to see Schelly Talalay Dardashti the Master Genealogist from Tracing the Tribe: The Jewish Geneaology Blog , Dr. Roger Martinez a Master Researcher in Spain from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs , with whom I have close contact year round and Dr .Stanley Hordes ,previous New Mexico State Historian and author of To the End of the Earth: A History of the Crypto-Jews of New Mexico and a founder of the Society. Dr. Hordes has been honored a myriad of times and was once again presented a well-deserved honor at the Dinner.

At the end of this amazing conference we were lucky enough to hear lively and moving music By The Elias Ladino Ensemble. All in all, the conference was a great place to be. You can see more information on their website at www.cryptojews.com.