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The Anusim Center of El Paso
The Anusim Center of El Paso is a non-profit cultural center dedicated to the Anusim/Crypto Jews of the Southwest. During the Spanish Inquisition, many Jews fled from Spain. After their expulsion, they sought refuge in Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Italy, North Africa, Europe, Arab countries, and even Mexico.
The word “Anusim” is most properly translated as the “coerced ones” or the “forced ones.” It is used to describe the Jews who were forced to abandon Judaism against their will. This typically happened while they were being forced to convert to Catholicism.
Here in the American Southwest, Mexico, and South/Central America, there is a rich history of these Anusim. They are commonly referred to as “Crypto-Jews.” The Crypto-Jews were Jews who secretly practiced and adhered to Judaism. They publicly professed to be of the Catholic faith out of fear for their lives. This fear existed if they were discovered as being Jews. Many of today’s descendants of these Anusim have Jewish roots/ancestors they are unaware of. Their family members practice Jewish rituals. But they do not know the origin of these customs. At present, a phenomenon is occurring. Many of these descendants are discovering their Jewish history and want to learn more. Many are converting to Judaism. They are “returning” to and reclaiming what was taken away from their ancestors.
The Anusim Center of El Paso is open for everyone interested in discovering and learning. It is a place to question, explore, and get support or information regarding the Anusim and the Crypto-Jews. Someone may have recently found out they have a Jewish past. Or they simply want to learn about the Jewish influence in Mexican culture. The Anusim Center of El Paso is open to all.
Hazan Gaviel ben David
Synagogue Beit Hashoavah Gavriel ben David