HEBRAIC ROOTS CULTURAL DISCOVERY

SEMINARS

BY EPHRAIM D'ANGELO HERNANDEZ

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INTRODUCTION

 

This HEBRAIC ROOTS CULTURAL DISCOVERY Seminars is a long overdue way of giving back to the many people whose stories of Crypto-Jewish heritage in New Mexico graced the pages of many books, articles and publications without any return on their sacrifice in coming forward. Many crypto-Jewish families had begun coming forward starting in the mid-seventies, and continued as scholars delved into this most ambiguous phenomenon. The interest died as the people who had come forward felt wronged. They had stepped into a place that for many generations was not openly discussed, and in most cases the knowledge of was taken to the grave. These honorable folks only found that their stories were just that, stories with no return for putting their lives in the public arena; no benefit for the crypto-jewish community as a whole.

 

This discovery effort is being brought about in order to benefit the crypto-jewish community, now regarded as the HEBRAIC ROOTS MOVEMENT. This movement has been growing larger and larger and encompasses people all across the country of various ethnicities, backgrounds, and stations. The Sephardic Crypto-Jewish culture, although a part of this larger movement is a most unique demographic for various reasons. It involves not only the descendants of Sephardic families from Spain, but also of Portugal and France whose bloodlines intermingled with the Native population here in the Southwest. Some of these Native populations may also prove to be the descendants of ancient Israel. So as you can see this is a truly unique population that I believe requires a discovery process of its own. A process that opens the door for questions, questions that have the ability to lead each individual willing to search their own soul, on the path of discovering who they are. I would venture to say that in this process if we don't find answers we will most definitely find healing.

 

I personally have hope that for each soul who is courageous enough to venture on the path of self discovery will find healing in boldly declaring the phrase...Ya No Estoy Escondido (I am no longer hiding).  Hebraic Roots Cultural Discovery seminars will be taking place on a monthly basis at the Oñate Monument Center in Alcalde NM.  For more information you may contact us through this website.

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This program is a collaboration between T.O.R.A.H. Works and the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area.

 

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OUTLINED PLAN

 

I believe that to give back to the community of this most unique demographic means the following:

 

1.) To offer the opportunity to asking questions in a safe environment.

2.) To have the liberty to answer those questions to meet the needs of the questioner.

3.) Introducing people to Hebraic Culture:

     a.) Language (Hebrew Language classes)

     b.) Dance (Traditional Hebrew dance classes)

     c.) Cuisine (Prepared Hebrew/Mediterranean Cuisine)

     d.) History (Relevant historical subject matter)

4.) We would like to bring in speakers who have something to give to the community.

5.) Make integral connections to the modern Hebraic culture.

6.) Offer the benefit of our own experiences and those of others interested in contributing

7.) Question and Answer as well as Listening Sessions

8.) To offer those interested opportunities to contribute to the community

 

This is only a preliminary outline, and the building blocks for further effort into this most exciting process of Hebraic cultural preservation and renewal.