This book 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 examinations of crypto-Jewish beliefs, superstitions, birth customs, education, marriage and sex, holidays, dietary laws, conversions, and death and burial practices. This is a comprehensive account of the customs of these secret Jews.
- ISBN13 9780826328137
- Publish Date 12 April 2002 (first published 31 May 1997)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of New Mexico Press
- Format Paperback
- Pages 677
- Language English