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First Jewish cultural center in Portugal in more than 500 years to open; Shavei Israel to administer programming

Michael Freund and Mayor J�lio Jos� Saraiva Sarmento of Trancoso signing the agreement
Michael Freund and Mayor J�lio Jos� Saraiva Sarmento of Trancoso signing the agreement

  

Isaac Cardoso was a Jewish physician and philosopher born in the small village of Trancoso, Portugal, in 1603 to a family of Bnei Anousim. Cardoso and his family fled Portugal to escape the Inquisition, eventually resettling in Venice. They weren't alone: the town of Trancoso, once home to a flourishing Jewish community was, by the time the Cardoso family left, nearly emptied of its Jewish population. It has been that way for 500 years.

  

Now Cardoso is back - in name, at least - with the establishment of the Isaac Cardoso Center for Jewish Interpretation, the first Jewish cultural and religious center in Portugal in half a millennium. And Shavei Israel has been granted the right to administer the Center and organize Jewish cultural, educational and religious activities on its premises. Our emissary Rabbi Elisha Salas will oversee our activities in Trancoso. 

 

Last week, Michael Freund and Shavei Israel staff flew to Trancoso to sign the historic agreement launching the Center. Click here to read more and see pictures from the signing ceremony.

Bnei Menashe making aliyah

Meet Jangboi Shimon Sitlhou 

  

Here is the next in our continuing series of profiles of Bnei Menashe who will soon be making aliyah, following the recent government decision to restart immigration from India.

Jangboi Shmeon Sitlhou and family
Jangboi Shimon Sitlhou and family

"From the time that I was a little boy, I heard my parents longing for Zion, especially my mother who emphasized her yearning through song. It seemed to me to be a heavenly place and I always wanted to go there, even though I didn't know how or when that would be possible.

 

"With Hashem (G-d)'s mercy, when the first group of Bnei Menashe made aliyah in the early 1990's, it opened my eyes and I suddenly realized there really is a Zion on earth. I have been waiting for my turn ever since..."

 

Click here to read the rest of Jangbio's inspiring story.

Roots #75 - Nov. 27, 2012

  

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Shavei Israel reaches out and assists Lost Tribes and "Hidden Jews" seeking to return to the Jewish people. These include the Bnei Menashe of India, the Bnei Anousim of Spain, Portugal & South America, the "Hidden Jews" of Poland and others. We welcome your support.  

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