Majorcan Jews Reclaim Their Heritage: Xueta Community Officially Recognised as Jewish скачать в хорошем качестве

Majorcan Jews Reclaim Their Heritage: Xueta Community Officially Recognised as Jewish

On the Spanish Island of Majorca lives a Jewish community known as the Xuetes, who are descendants of Jews that were forced to convert to Christianity 500 years ago during the Spanish Inquisition. However, the Xuetes have kept their Jewish traditions alive, and their community is estimated to include 20,000 out of the island's 860,000 residents. Although some are still reluctant to identify themselves as Jewish, many have reclaimed their Jewish heritage. Some Xuetes have also converted to Judaism. In July, the head of a religious court in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak officially recognised the Xuetes as Jewish. But to return to Judaism, they still need to be vetted by a rabbinical court in order to ascertain their family history. For Majorcan Jews who are eager to reconnect with their cultural heritage, it's a process they are welcoming.