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Successes - Past & Present |
In the 1839, the Jews of Mashhad, Iran, now known as the Mashhadi Jews, were coerced into converting to Islam under threat of death. Mashhad's muslim ruler had ordered his men to enter the Jewish homes and the mobs attacked the Jewish Community, burning down the synagogue, looting homes abducting girls and killing between 30 and 40 people. With knives held to their throats, the Jewish patriarchs were forced to vocally proclaim their "allegiance" to Islam as it was agreed upon by the leaders of the community that in order to save the remaining 2,400 Jews, everyone must convert. Most converted and stayed in Mashhad, taking in Muslim names, while some left for other Iranian Jewish communities and to Afghanistan. That day became known as the Allahdad ("God’s Justice"), the Jews perceived it as a punishment for their sins. Jews who remained in Mashhad then began living a double life as Crypto-Jews. On the outside, they acted as Muslims; their clothes, names, and lifestyles resembled those of their Iranian neighbors. At home, however, they secretly taught their children to read Hebrew, lit candles, and welcomed Shabbat. Nearly a century passed before the Jews started practicing their faith openly with the coming of the more liberal Pahlavi dynasty (1925-1979). After World War II, most settled in Teheran or Israel, with 4000 moving to the United States, where they ran successful jewellery and carpet businesses. These crypto-Jews are embraced as Halachic Jews. |
In 2008, an entire family of B'nei Anusim are presently undergoing Halachic Return under Rabbinical supervision. One of these family members has already received a "Certificate of Return" whereby an Orthodox Rabbi has done sufficient investigation to lead him to the conclusion that she is, in fact, a descendant of those who fled Spain in 1492...winding up in Mexico. The family maintained their heritage behind closed |
doors and under cover of darkness for centuries. The Spanish Inquisition didn't officially end until 1834. Mixed marriages are being rectified with conversion, according to Halachah, under Rabbinic Supervision. Berrera (Pear) and Jimenez (son of Shimon). What is most unique about this case is that one member of the family had already married a man in a Reform Jewish ceremony because he was a Reform Jew. Upon her 'Halachic Return', she was considered a Jew and he was not since Orthodoxy does not accept patrilineal descent of Reform Judaism - he willingly undertook an Orthodox Conversion in order to avoid a violation of Halachah (mixed marriage). In the end we are pleased to report that they are Shomrei Shabbat Halachic Jews, expecting a child soon, and active members of a local Sephardic Community. |
In March 2006, a Silicon Valley Executive discovered, after careful genealogical research and extensive DNA testing, that his ancestry was indeed Jewish Maternal and Paternal. After lengthy deliberation he presented these results to an Orthodox Rabbi. The Rabbi carefully studied the evidence and concluded this was sufficient proof that both his paternal and maternal ancestors were B'nei Anusim. His paternal ancestors were Sephardim in Barbados, Montserrat and Jamaica under the surnames Baeza, Benavides, Baez de Benabides, Charlaf, Charlow and Charlaw; due to the premature deaths of his ancestors due to disease in Colonial Virginia his paternal ancestors were adopted in 1833, their names changed and they were baptised into Anabaptist Church. His maternal Spanish Jewish Family arrived on shores of present-day Croatia after expulsion in 1492 CE, only to be forced to convert centuries later during one of the many wars which ravaged the Balkans. Family Surnames are Kramar/Mercado (Merchant), Ambroz (toponym from 'Valle de Ambroz'), Horvat/Hrovat (Croatian), Gers/Gersh (Gershon) and Perec (pronounced 'Peretz'). His wife's paternal ancestors (del la Silveira, DeSousa, Morgado and Alvares) were Portuguese Sephardim of Sao Miguel, Azores, who had lived on the island for 400 years before travelling to Hawaii to become Ranchers on the Big Island in the late 1800's where they abandoned their Jewish heritage yet took up no other. He underwent 'Halachic Return' since he was within 4 generations of forced conversion on his maternal side and she underwent 'Halachic Conversion' to rejoin the Jewish People. This is a family of Shomrei Shabbat Halachic Jews and active members of a local Sephardic Community. |
The Anusim Center |
for those who awaken from their slumber |
In Jewish belief, the essence of Abraham is shielded from danger within all of us throughout countless generations. The guardian of Israel never sleeps. His chosen nation never entirely loses touch with who they really are. |
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