Secrecy and Deceit: The Religion of the Crypto-Jews

by David M. Gitlitz

Book Overview

This important history documents the religious customs of the crypto-Jewish culture in Spain, Portugal, and their American colonies, principally Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. In coping with clandestineness, crypto-Jews rapidly evolved their own idiosyncratic religion. Its Jewish core was quickly replaced with concepts and practices from the surrounding Catholic culture covered by a veneer of Jewish theology. Included in this award-winning volume are...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 082632813X
• ISBN13: 9780826328137
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 699 Pages
• Weight: 2.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.9" x 9.9"

Customer Reviews

A long unbroken chain to Spain

This book is thorough in documenting the practices of crypto Jews from the 1390 uprising till the 20th century. The primary sources are from the inquistion records and contemporary documents. Critical volume for those interested in Sephardic Crypto Jewish customs.