November
15
Bernard Museum of Judaica
Closing Program for:
At the Crossroad of Sefarad
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE CRYPTO-JEWS
For centuries, the clues should have been obvious, hinting at secret histories forged by the obsession of long-dead monarchs:
- A grandmother using olive oil instead of lard
- A father who refused to eat pork on Saturday
- Mirrors covered during times of mourning
- Celebration of a saint no one else had heard of: Santa Esterica, Saint Esther
But the traditions and coping mechanisms of the descendants of Crypto-Jews who fled or survived the Inquisition remain murky, even more than 600 years after the massacres that coerced more than half of Spain’s Jews to convert to Catholicism – and 500 years after those who did not were formally expelled.
The Bernard Museum’s exhibition, created by ANU – Museum of the Jewish People in partnership with the Jewish Heritage Alliance, explores the history of the descendants of Iberian Jews: those who fled, those who were forcibly converted and those who only pretended to be converted.
Visitors will travel across time from the Golden Age of Iberian Jewry under the Muslim Moors to their Christian persecution and flight to other parts of Europe including the Balkans, North Africa and the New World. Their unique customs developed to retain their heritage are an integral part of this phenomenon.
This evening marks the end of this exhibition, and we will celebrate it together. The program will begin with guest speaker Dr. Isaac Amon , Director of Academic Research & Program Development at the Jewish Heritage Alliance. A first generation American, Dr. Amon’s paternal ancestors originated in 15th-century Spain before leaving the Iberian Peninsula during the Expulsion of 1492. Over the centuries, following their arrival in the Ottoman Empire, they served as chief rabbis, diplomats and physicians to the sultans.
We will then be treated to a culinary demonstration by Israeli chef Alon Hadar on how to prepare and cook kubbeh, a traditional Iraqi dish, which has gained a popular following in the US in recent years. A tasting will follow.
Finally, the evening will feature a musical program by Trio Sefardi. (Read more about the group here)
Tuesday, November 15 |
6:30 pm Eastern
Free
Free
In-Person & Virtual Event
The museum will be open one hour prior and will stay open for one hour after the evening’s program.
Covid-19 Policy:
Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required for entry. Masks are no longer required but are available to those who request.
Tuesday, November 15 |
6:30 pm
Free
Free
For centuries, the clues should have been obvious, hinting at secret histories forged by the obsession of long-dead monarchs:
- A grandmother using olive oil instead of lard
- A father who refused to eat pork on Saturday
- Mirrors covered during times of mourning
- Celebration of a saint no one else had heard of: Santa Esterica, Saint Esther
But the traditions and coping mechanisms of the descendants of Crypto-Jews who fled or survived the Inquisition remain murky, even more than 600 years after the massacres that coerced more than half of Spain’s Jews to convert to Catholicism – and 500 years after those who did not were formally expelled.
The Bernard Museum’s exhibition, created by ANU – Museum of the Jewish People in partnership with the Jewish Heritage Alliance, explores the history of the descendants of Iberian Jews: those who fled, those who were forcibly converted and those who only pretended to be converted.
Visitors will travel across time from the Golden Age of Iberian Jewry under the Muslim Moors to their Christian persecution and flight to other parts of Europe including the Balkans, North Africa and the New World. Their unique customs developed to retain their heritage are an integral part of this phenomenon.
This evening marks the end of this exhibition, and we will celebrate it together. The program will begin with guest speaker Dr. Isaac Amon , Director of Academic Research & Program Development at the Jewish Heritage Alliance. A first generation American, Dr. Amon’s paternal ancestors originated in 15th-century Spain before leaving the Iberian Peninsula during the Expulsion of 1492. Over the centuries, following their arrival in the Ottoman Empire, they served as chief rabbis, diplomats and physicians to the sultans.
We will then be treated to a culinary demonstration by Israeli chef Alon Hadar on how to prepare and cook kubbeh, a traditional Iraqi dish, which has gained a popular following in the US in recent years. A tasting will follow.
Finally, the evening will feature a musical program by Trio Sefardi. (Read more about the group here)
In-Person & Virtual Event
The museum will be open one hour prior and will stay open for one hour after the evening’s program.
Covid-19 Policy:
Proof of Covid-19 vaccination required for entry. Masks are no longer required but are available to those who request.
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