Q&A: Exploring the Modern History of the Crypto-Jews

Gloria Golden, of Plainview, became interested in Crypto-Jews — who trace their roots to Sephardic Jews that stayed in Spain and Portugal during the Inquisition — while studying photography in New Mexico. Years of photographing and interviewing Crypto-Jews resulted in her 2005 book, “Remnants of Crypto-Jews Among Hispanic Americans,” which contains 60 oral histories.

Golden’s photos are on now in the , where she will give a lecture on Tuesday at 1 p.m. on Crypto-Jews. Patch spoke with her about the topic.

Who are the Crypto-Jews?

At the time of the Inquisition, the Jews in Spain were expelled or forced to convert. Many of them converted and practiced in secret. Many converted to Catholicism, and although they were considered Catholic, they practiced Jewish rituals. They were the secret Jews.

They still exist today all over the world, but especially in New Mexico, where they came with the Conquistadors and Columbus. They live amongst themselves. Cousins married cousins. Many of them still practice the rituals without knowing why.

Rituals?

Many practices were diluted. For example, they would have garlic on the door that they would touch on their way in and out, like a mezuzah. Some don’t eat pork. Some light candles on Friday night. It’s a religion in of itself.

Many joined Messianic synagogues in New Mexico. There are some who have converted to Judaism. If they go to these synagogues, usually they’ve returned to Judaism and they’re learning how to practice the rituals properly.

Why is their story important to tell?

We want them to come forward with their stories. The inquisition ended in 1834, but they still fear practicing Jewish rituals. The father of a man who is 38 told him he’d be killed if he practiced in the open.

The Inquisition followed them to this world in Mexico, Peru and Columbia. It continues even now. The fear of the Inquisition is ingrained in them. Many of their families do not want them to return to Judaism. What they went through to hide their heritage is amazing.

What do you want people to take away from your exhibit?

I want them to understand what the Sephardim went through 500 years ago. It’s important for mainstream Judaism to accept them. I sincerely believe if they want to be Jewish, they should be Jewish. If you go in a synagogue, no one asks you for papers. If they go through the process of return, they should be accepted. It’s a big step for them to take.

Of course, I’d like more people to come forward with their stories. It’s just very difficult for them.

What will you be focusing on next?

I’m focusing on my photography. This was supposed to be a photography book but it became so much more than that. My publisher was interested in doing a follow up to this book, but it was too difficult.