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Anusim’ and the Work of Abradjin Brazil

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Anusim’ and the Work of Abradjin Brazil Messianic Leadership Roundtable 2017 THE PHENOMENA OF THE ‘ANUSIM’ AND THE WORK OF ABRADJIN BRAZIL Rabbi Joseph Shulam and Matheus Guimaraes Phoenix – USA - November - 2017 “We cannot blame the Anusim for have chosen life! It is our responsibility, as Jews, to bring them back!” Rabbi Israel Meir Lau Chief Rabbi of Tel-Aviv and former chief rabbi of Israel – Netanya – June, 2011 3 But the freedom of the Jews in Portugal did not last for very long: • On December 24th 1496 D. Manoel married the princess of Castela. The kingdoms of Spain and Portugal were joined and the laws of the Inquisition were valid also in Portugal. • Portugal did not expel the Jews. The strategy was to impose high taxes, confiscation of property and forced conversions to Christianity. «AUTO-De-FÉ» - Praça do Rossio Lisbon – Portugal The discovery of Brazil in 1500 represented an “opening of the Red Sea” for the thousands of Portuguese Jews Ø The New-Christian Fernando de Noronha came to Brazil to plant sugar cane to export to Portugal and Europe. Ø The number of New Christians in Brazil increases significantly. Ø In 1591, Portugal sends to Brazil the First Inquisitor to identify and prosecute Jews (Heitor F. de Mendonça). Ø Thousands of Brazilians Anusim were convicted by the Portuguese Inquisition; many of whom were deported from Brazil to Portugal and there were sentenced to death. Ø During the Dutch dominium over Brazil (1640- 1654) Judaism was allowed. In Recife was founded the first Synagogue of the Americas and the First rabbi was Ytshac Aboab da Fonseca. Itzhac Aboab da Fonseca The first Rabbi of the Americas Photo of Kahal Zur Israel Recife - Brazil – 1648 – restored in 1995 The Inquisition in Brazil lasted 321 years (1500 to 1821) Its consequences can still be seen in our days Destination of the Jews from Recife after Portugal regained control over Brazil (1654): 1. North America (New Amsterdam/New York) 2. Holland 3. Brazil (going mainly to the State of Minas Gerais, due to the discovery of gold mines, diamonds and precious stones). List of the first Jews from Brazil executed by the Inquisition in Lisbon - 1655 11 The Restoration of the Anusim in BRAZIL What has been done in Brazil? Marcelo Miranda Guimarães created in 2000 ABRADJIN (www.abradjin.org.br) (Brazilian Association of Jewish Descendants from the Inquisition Period) ABRADJIN’s main purpose is to assist persons who believe they have Jewish roots and want to reclaim, discover, and restore this heritage. For more than three hundred years the fear of persecution prevented these New-Christians Jews from living their lives as children of Israel and a deep trauma was created on these people souls. Now is the time when their descendents are hearing the call to “come back home” in their hearts and ABRADJIN exists to cope with this call. Today we have more than 4000 associate members and the 1st MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF THE INQUISITION IN BRAZIL. www.museudainquisicao.org.br www.museudainquisicao.org.br www.museudainquisicao.org.br www.museudainquisicao.org.br www.museudainquisicao.org.br Instructiones Sacerdotum Year 1668 www.museudainquisicao.org.br www.museudainquisicao.org.br Recognition by the Jewish Community Recognition by the Government of Brazil Congregation Har Tzion Belo Horizonte city - MG Har Tzion Messianic Jewish Synagogue Har Tzion Messianic Jewish Synagogue Har Tzion Messianic Jewish Synagogue Har Tzion Messianic Jewish Synagogue Har Tzion Messianic Jewish Synagogue INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERS Organized by Har Tzion Local School in Belo Horizonte ZION TV (TVSIAO.COM) broadcasts Messianic Jewish studies, documentaries, movies and classes 24/7. Hundreds of hours of lectures and studies were already taped in our Studios To Enlarge the restoration vision and the Kingdom of G-d, we are publishing our own messianic Literature What is being done in Portugal? 1. Several ancient synagogues have been restored and today they are open to the public showing a little of the history of the Anusim. (Tomar, Belmonte, Castelo de Vide, Trancoso, Guarda) 2. Seminars and conferences on topic of the Anusim are being organized. 3. ABRADJIN is working in partnership with the PORTUGUESE government to help ANUSIM descendants to receive PORTUGUESE CITIZENSHIP according the new Portuguese law 30-A/2015. Collaborators of ABRADJIN in Portugal Mr. Julio Sarmento, mayor of Trancoso Collaborators of ABRADJIN in Portugal Mr. Antônio Pitta, mayor of Castelo de Vide Collaborators of ABRADJIN in Portugal Mr. Amândio Melo, mayor of Belmonte ABRADJIN organizes groups of descendants of the Anusim to make trips to Portugal to know more about their history Praça do Rossio, Lisbon, where thousands of Jews were burned in the fires of the Inquisition. Outreaches and Researches – The Anussim in Portugal Outreaches and Researches – The Anussim in Portugal First International Conference about the Anussim Castelo de Vide – Portugal – Dec 2010 The World Awakening of the Descendents of the Anusim Netanya – Israel – June 2011 The World Awakening of the Descendents of the Anusim Netanya – Israel – June 2011 The World Awakening of the Descendents of the Anusim Miami – USA – September 2016 What should we expect for the future? • We want to draw the attention of nations and Israel to the reality of the Anusim. • We want Israel to recognize the Anusim and give them the right to return to Israel, regardless of their faith or past without the obligation to convert to orthodox Judaism. • We should pray for a divine intervention in this process of restoration. • We believe in G-d’s Word and in His promises! ISRAEL will be restored (including the Anusim) and will recognize her Messiah! AS MESSIANIC LEADERS, HOW CAN YOU HELP? • Know the history of the Anusim and learn how to identify a true Jewish descendent from the Inquisition. • Establish a discipleship program for their return providing balance and a strong faith in Yeshua. This is the most important aspect of their restoration. • Be aware of the latest developments in the Israeli government regarding the acceptance of the Anusim (Misrad ha Galut, Portuguese and Spanish Government). Never encourage conversion… וְ ָג ֻלת יְרוּ ָשׁ ַ ִלם ֲא ֶשׁר ִבּ ְס ָפ ַרד יִ ְרשׁוּ ֵאת ָע ֵרי ַהנֶּ ֶגב׃ “And the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad Will possess the cities of the Negev.” (Oba 1:20 NAS) TODAH RABAH and we look forward to receive you in Brazil! www.museudainquisicao.org.br [email protected].
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