On Sunday June 27th at 2:00 PM, Shelomo Alfassa will present his acclaimed book, “The Sephardic Anousim” at Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue, 280 Broome Street (off Allen St.), Lower East Side, Manhattan (directions by car | subway).
THE SEPHARDIC ANOUSIM was written to fill a void in the subject of the Anousim (Hebrew for ‘coerced’). The Anousim are descendants of forcibly converted Jews of Spain and Portugal (historically known as Marranos). Many tens of thousands of Jews were converted in the 14th and 15th century due to violence and religious intimidation. However, many of these Jews secretly concealed their Judaic observances while acting like they were newly baptized Catholics. Today, descendants of those converted Jews are increasingly “coming out” only to find themselves lost in a sea of complicated Jewish laws, being deceived by missionaries and are frustrated in seeking to fully understand the history of their own people.
Alfassa’s talk will include a PowerPoint presentation. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The author will be available to personally sign copies of the book for purchase.
The Jews of Mumbai: Personal Reflections
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th
NYC
Nathaniel Jhirad is a member of the Indian Bnai Yisrael community of Mumbai whose ancestors claim to have arrived in India over 2200 years ago. He serves the community as hazan, torah reader and peer inspirer. What is it like to be a Jewish teen, deeply committed to ones Judaism in India today. Are there influences from Hindu culture? Are there challenges? Peter Geffen, Founder and Executive Director of KIVUNIM will interview and engage in discussion with Nathaniel. The evening promises to be both informative and fascinating including some sample chanting with traditional Indian Jewish nusah (melodies used in religious settings).
Tonight, May 13, 2010, Shais Rison, the blogger and ‘anti-activist’ known as MaNishtana will speak at Birthright Israel NEXT Beit Midrash in Philadelphia. He will serve as a guide through religious texts from a unique secular perspective. The discussion will be highly interactive and informative, utilizing the week’s Torah portion. MaNishtana combines religious texts and modern day experiences/events happening throughout the world and in his life. Here’s a sample of what you can expect.
Birthright Israel NEXT Philadelphia Beit Midrash is at 806 E. Passayunk Avenue. The program starts at 7:30 and is open and free for all. Light refreshments will be served.
THE SEPHARDIC ANOUSIM was written to fill a void in the subject of the Anousim (Hebrew for ‘coerced’). The Anousim are descendants of forcibly converted Jews of Spain and Portugal (historically known as Marranos). Many tens of thousands of Jews were converted in the 14th and 15th century due to violence and religious intimidation. However, many of these Jews secretly concealed their Judaic observances while acting like they were newly baptized Catholics. Today, descendants of those converted Jews are increasingly “coming out” only to find themselves lost in a sea of complicated Jewish laws, being deceived by missionaries and are frustrated in seeking to fully understand the history of their own people.
