Throughout history, Jews have tragically faced persecution in many forms, but perhaps one of the most profound experiences of transformation occurred in the Iberian Peninsula, or Spain and Portugal. In the late 14th and 15th centuries, tens of thousands of Jews in Spain were forcibly converted to Catholicism. These Jews, known as Conversos, became an integral part of the religious and social fabric of Spain and Portugal, yet they lived under constant suspicion and scrutiny. A smaller, courageous subset of these converts, who tried to secretly maintain their Jewish traditions and practices, were often labeled Marranos—a derogatory term meaning "swine"—or, more commonly, Crypto-Jews.

The term “New Christian” was introduced by the Catholic Church to distinguish Jewish converts from “Old Christians,” but these classifications weren’t just administrative—they marked centuries of social and religious tension, isolation, and discrimination. Even as Crypto-Judaism was practiced in secret, its presence remained palpable within families and communities. This hidden form of religious practice traces its origins to the forced conversions in the Iberian Peninsula, especially in the 14th century, an era that would have long-lasting effects on both the Jewish people and global history.

By the 20th and 21st centuries, Crypto-Judaism became a focus of academic interest, with scholars introducing the term B'nai Anusim—literally “children of the forced ones”—to describe individuals whose ancestors had been coerced into conversion. Today, the legacy of Crypto-Judaism can be seen in the traditions, stories, and sometimes hidden Jewish practices that continue to surface around the world. These remnants of Jewish life, carried across generations, have been preserved and rediscovered in places like Latin America, the Southwestern United States, and in communities across Europe.

In many regions, the descendants of Conversos and Crypto-Jews continue to reconnect with their Jewish roots, often with remarkable stories of long-hidden practices being revived. Rituals like lighting Shabbat candles, circumcising male children, and preparing foods according to Jewish law are among the most significant traditions rediscovered among these communities. Jewish Heritage Alliance (JHA), an educational platform dedicated to researching, preserving, and promoting the history of Iberian Jewry, has been instrumental in this effort. Through their educational webinars, in-person lectures and events, and tours, JHA helps bring the hidden stories of Sephardic Jews and conversos to life.

Dr. Isaac Amon: a voice in the study of Jewish resilience

One of the most inspiring influences on my own journey into the world of Crypto-Judaism and Jewish history has been the insightful work of Dr. Isaac Amon, Director of Academic Research at JHA and a globally recognized scholar and lecturer. Over the past few years, he has traveled extensively, sharing his expertise on many topics, including Jews in Early America, the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions, the Holocaust, and the enduring legacy of the 1492 expulsion. His remarkable lectures and presentations have reached university campuses, Jewish communities, synagogues, and public forums around the world, shedding light on the often-overlooked chapters of Jewish history that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Dr. Amon’s ability to bring together historical events, personal stories, and the broader context of Jewish and world history makes his work not just educational, but truly transformative. Whether speaking at universities, engaging with Jewish communities, or addressing broader audiences, his talks offer a rich, deeply human perspective on how the Jewish people have endured centuries of persecution yet have held onto their faith, culture, and identity.

Inspired to create a specialized tour

Inspired by Dr. Isaac Amon and JHA, I was moved to create a specialized tour that would help others connect with the rich and complex history of Conversos and their descendants. The tour is designed to take participants through the hidden Jewish legacies of the Iberian Peninsula and the Americas, where Crypto-Jewish practices have survived in secret for centuries.

Just as Dr. Amon’s talks reveal how Jewish resilience manifests in everyday life—through rituals, beliefs, and customs—I wanted to design a tour that would uncover the often-hidden traces of Jewish life in regions that once suppressed it. From the hidden places in Iberia to the secrets of Jewish communities in Latin America, this tour offers an immersive experience that uncovers the forgotten pasts of Jewish families whose ancestors bravely survived centuries of persecution, waves of forced conversions, and exile.

By connecting history with a tangible, on-the-ground experience, this tour offers participants an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who endured centuries of religious persecution while also discovering how Jewish practices and beliefs continue to thrive, even in the most unexpected places.

Through this work, I aim to honor the legacy of the Conversos, the enduring spirit of Crypto-Judaism, and the timeless resilience of the Jewish people.

Hidden histories through two languages

This unique, interactive tour of the Vatican Museums is designed for Latin families—grandparents and parents who speak Spanish and children who mix English and Spanish effortlessly.

Bilingual children often experience the world with a creative curiosity that bridges generations and cultures. They ask big questions—about identity, heritage, and justice—and this tour is built to meet that spirit of inquiry.

Through hands-on activities and bilingual storytelling, we explore art, culture, and religion in ways that especially speak to children’s mixed-language minds and multicultural hearts.

As a bilingual guide who grew up in a family like yours, I’ve designed this tour to help your children connect with their heritage, not just through Spanish and English, but through the rich, often hidden layers of history that have shaped the Vatican itself.

Integrating converso and Jewish history

Throughout the tour, we highlight untold stories of Jewish and Converso (Jews who converted to Christianity, often under pressure or persecution) communities, especially those from Spain and Portugal. We explore:

  • Art and architecture in the Vatican that carry traces of Jewish influence, even when history tried to erase it.

  • The Spanish Inquisition’s impact on Jewish families, including how Converso families maintained their identity in secret.

  • Connections between ancient Jewish texts, Latin traditions, and how ideas traveled through the Mediterranean to shape Renaissance thought.

  • Hidden symbols and stories in Vatican art that speak to resistance, resilience, and cultural fusion.

Your children will learn not just about what’s on the walls, but what lies behind them—stories of exile, faith, survival, and creativity across generations.

This unique bilingual tour invites your whole family to connect personally to world history, bringing together art, identity, and the richness of Latino and Jewish heritage through the ages.