HISTORY OF THE JEWS IN MEXICO by Dena Falken

Through out my travels in Mexico, it has always been quite fascinating to learn and see the rich culture in this country.

When walking in downtown Polanco, a stunning area of Mexico City, one is captivated by the amount of culture, restaurants of every ethnic persuasion. A beautiful building is there as well,,,the Jewish Synagogue.

I have always been interested in the Jewish contribution to the Culture in Mexico and how the Jews arrived here. While Mexico has fabulous Jewish restaurants, museums and art, I thought I would explore how the Jewish culture arrived and what the history was.

I learned the following….

Jews first arrived in Mexico in the 16th century from Spain and Portugal. This arrival took place in the midst of the Spanish Inquisition. The Jews at this times were “ conversos”. These are Jews who had been forcibly converted to Christanity, but secretly practiced Judaism.

However, the Inquisition also traveled to the New World and anyone even suspected of practicing Judaism was burned at the stake. It was not until the Inquisition was abolished in 1813 that Jews could practice their culture and faith.

The Jewish History In Mexico And Why They Immigrated To Mexico