Brazil: The Oldest Jewish Community in the Americas

Image and text by Jewish Heritage Alliance (JHA) and GTA Books

Virtual Lecture on March 30, 2025: “Brazil: The Oldest Jewish Community in the Americas”

Presented by: Author and Jewish Historian Irene Shaland

Hosted by: Jewish Heritage Alliance

Date and time: Sunday, March 30 1:00PM – 2:30 PM EDT

About this event

Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

Tickets: $0 – $50 (Free Admission available, all donations are welcomed)

Click here for more information and to register

“Brazil: The Oldest Jewish Community in the Americas”

One of the many untold stories about the Sefarad legacy is the fact that Portuguese Jews and New Christians played a pivotal role in the discovery of Brazil. They were among the very first settlers in the country, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry.

In 1500, Gaspar da Gama, a Jewish interpreter and advisor to Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, is believed to be the first European to set foot in Brazil as part of Cabral’s expedition. But the story doesn’t end there. In 1636, the first Jewish community in the Americas was established in Brazil, with the construction of the first synagogue in Recife—a little-known yet groundbreaking chapter in history.

Today, Brazil is home to an estimated 90,000 to 120,000 Jews, but the influence of Jewish heritage extends far beyond this number. Over 50 million Brazilians are descendants of conversos—Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism during the tumultuous times of Medieval Spain and Portugal. Their stories, struggles, and contributions are an integral part of Brazil’s identity.

To learn more about this extraordinary story, join us as we embark on a virtual journey delivered by a renowned historian, author, and speaker Irene Shaland as she uncovers 500 years of Jewish history woven into the very fabric of Brazil. Beginning in the mysterious world of 15th-century politics, deception, and exploration, discover the pivotal role of crypto-Jews in shaping the story of Brazil.

Dive deep into the untold stories that reveal why Anna Novinsky, a leading expert in Jewish history, famously declared, “The Jews built Brazil!” Travel through space and time from the 15th century to the present day, visiting key regions including Recife, Salvador (Bahia), Manaus (the “Gateway to the Amazon”), Rio de Janeiro, and the Iguassu Falls. Immerse yourself in the diverse Jewish narratives that have flourished in this fascinating country’s bustling cities and remote jungles. This is a journey you won’t want to miss, whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious. Join us for a captivating lecture that promises to shed light on the hidden Jewish influences in Brazil’s history. Get ready to be engaged and enlightened!

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION:

Mr. Michael Steinberger, Founder & CEO of JHA.

KEY SPEAKER / PRESENTER:

Irene Shaland is an internationally published art and travel writer, educator, and lecturer. She focuses on the rich tapestry of global Jewish experiences, culture, and heritage. Irene writes and lectures on various countries’ responses to the Holocaust. A member of the International Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies, she presents at the Society’s annual conferences and contributes to its HaLapid academic journal. Irene is a contributing author and lecturer at such academic institutions as Siegal College of Jewish Studies and Touro Law School of New York; museums and cultural institutions, like the Center for Jewish History Research/American Sephardic Federation in New York and Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Cleveland.

Irene holds a BA in Journalism and Theater and Art History from St. Petersburg University (Russia), an MA in English from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), and an MA in information sciences from Kent State University (Kent, Ohio). Irene and her husband, travel photographer Alex reside in Lyndhurst, Ohio.

Learn more about the presenter, Irene Shaland:

https://amzn.to/3DM6rDk

PROGRAM CO-SPONSORS:

Assisting in underwriting the cost of the event are:

University of Miami (Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies and the George Feldenkreis Program in Judaic Studies)

Congregation Mikveh Israel by the way of the late scholar Herman Prins Salomon

CO-HOSTING PARTNERS:

Assisting in promoting this program are:

Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE)

ANU Museum of the Jewish People

European Jewish Community Centre (EJCC)

Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO)

Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies (SCJS)

Reconectar helping to reconnect descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities and the Jewish world

Reserve today!

For more information about our work, mission and dedication, you can follow us:

Website: https://jewishheritagealliance.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jewishheritagealliance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewish_heritage_alliance/

September 4, 2023September 4, 2023

Come to Loganberry’s Kids & Illustrated Literature Show

On September 9, 2023, Loganberry Books Presents Children’s and illustrated books by local authors at an annual event.

Date: September 9, 2023

Time: 12 pm-4:00 pm

Place: Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd. Shaker Hts., OH 44120
Phone: 216.795.9800

Among many other children’s book authors, Alex Shaland will be showcasing his new book “Jackie the Penguin Goes to Madagascar.” In addition, Alex’s previous book from the Adventures of Jackie the Penguin series “Jackie the Penguin Goes on Safari” will be on display.

See you and your kids or grandkids at the event!

You can review my books at Amazon:

“Jackie the Penguin Goes on Safari” — https://amzn.to/3FjmS6Q

“Jackie the Penguin Goes to Madagascar” — https://amzn.to/3NQ2RLm

Alex Shaland

January 27, 2023January 27, 2023

Join Rabbi Barbara for a VIRTUAL How-To Sephardi Tu B’Shevat Seder

Reprinted with permission of Rabbi Barbara Aiello.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

1:00 p.m. US EST / 7:00 p.m. Italy (19:00 hours)

Click here to join via Zoom

We will make our model Seder together using Rabbi Barbara’s Haggadah/Guide that is available for you:

Tu-bshevat Haggadah Guide

We’ll have blessings, readings and three groups of fruits and learn the Kabbalistic meaning of each fruit group. You can have items on hand and participate along with Rabbi Barbara. Or you can observe and enjoy. Either way, all are welcome to The Birthday of the Trees, often described as “Jewish Earth Day,” – The Tu B’Shevat Seder!

Zoom Link

September 18, 2021September 18, 2021

The Best Chautauqua Bed and Breakfast – The Great Tree Inn

Sometimes, wonderful things in life happen to us when we do not expect them. In June 2021, we decided to visit the Chautauqua Institution to attend several end-of-the-season concerts. At that time, it was almost impossible to find a bed and breakfast (B&B) or any other lodging inside the Institution’s territory. Most establishments were filled long before the season was even announced. The remaining ones often required a commitment to seven nights, but we needed only four.

Almost by chance, I stumbled (virtually) upon the Great Tree Inn. One excellent review after another began appearing on my computer screen, enthusiastically recommending this Inn to anyone attracted to wonderful outdoors offerings of Chautauqua County and environs: from the spectacular hiking in Panama Rocks to horseback riding, to Lake Erie wine tasting, or even snowmobiling. “Great, but not for us,” I thought. I believed we have already paid our annual dues to Mother Nature after visiting the four national parks in California in May. The purpose of our first visit to Chautauqua was the Institution as a cultural and educational center. But then I talked to Mark and Sheila, the owners, and I knew that their Inn and B&B was the right place for us!

Seven years ago, Mark and Sheila, two medical researchers and world travelers, decided that they wanted a parallel career as hoteliers and bought a 170-year-old farm-turned-B&B. The Great Tree Inn and B&B is not your usual rural lodging. The Inn is named after its guardian, an ancient black locust tree. I was told that this giant is especially impressive in the spring when it produces clusters of fragrant white flowers. For a historian in me, that tree had almost a mythical meaning. I read many years ago about the black locust tree being often called a tree that “built America.” Black locust was considered the strongest timber in North America. In the early seventeenth century it was used in building the Jamestown settlement and in the nineteenth, was selected for strengthening the battleships that helped the United States to win in the War of 1812.

The Inn doubles as a farm, and you live there in a timeless environment surrounded by free-range chickens and ducks. Every morning you hear their “conversations.” The birds are often visited by two beautiful proud-looking goats and sturdy Belgian horses. “With so many chickens and ducks wandering around, aren’t you afraid of them being killed by foxes or coyotes?” we asked. “No,” Mark answered. “They have a guardian.” And he was not joking. The “guardian” happened to be the cutest miniature donkey. He kind of looked like Eeyore from the Winnie the Pooh stories. “Do not be fooled by his appearance,” said Mark. “When he feels threatened, and he does when the birds are attacked, he turns into a raging beast.” “Oy,” I thought.” I don’t want to be around when that happens.” “But I do,” said my husband-photographer Alex.

Beautiful Mr. Goat observes us, intruders into his world.

Donkey — This cute Eeyore donkey will turn into a scary beast when he feels threatened.

The farm, or rather a romantic-looking 19th-century building, is in the center of a large green lawn surrounded by woods. The entire complex – with its giant tree, talkative chickens and ducks, cappuccino-colored horses, Eeyore turning into a fearsome warrior, sleeping cats, and a curious tiny dog watching us through the glass door – seems like a perfect refuge from the avalanche of our projects and deadlines. This was the world presided over by two marvelous hosts, Mark and Sheila: always attentive, sharp, intelligent, and sincerely interested in what their guests wanted to share whether about themselves or their experiences.

Irene Shaland, Mark, and Sheila — The author (right) with Mark (left) and Sheila (center).

Every day in this world began with an amazing breakfast cooked or rather created by Mark. Locally sourced and made with in-season fresh products, each dish looked like an art piece. We especially liked the typical English Yorkshire pudding (often called in this country a popover) served with a beef sauce. Another favorite was a duck-egg omelet roll with grilled zucchini and homemade crispy bacon inside it. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, or have any other dietary requirements, Mark will accommodate your preferences. Forget about losing weight: Mark always has snacks and homemade pastries around the house.

The Inn offers seven comfortable rooms, tastefully furnished with antiques, each with its own theme. We loved ours: located on the ground floor and very private, it was called the “Seventh Heaven.” And it seemed it was, with red and green colors, a queen-size bed in an alcove, and a beautiful armoire.

Room #7 — Our room was called the “Seventh Heaven.”

Living room. — The living room also serves as a game room.

Stairs to the secon floor of the inn. — Inside the Inn. The staircase to the second floor where six out of seven guest rooms are located. The open door on the left leads to our room.

Just five miles outside the Chautauqua Institution, the Great Tree Inn is perfect not only for hikers, swimmers, and snowmobile riders, but also for culture vultures like us!

This paddle-wheeler steamboat replica takes visitors on historic tours of Chautauqua Lake.

Alex Shaland — Alex: “Do we have time to go on a lake tour?”

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Learn more about the author Irene Shaland.

Check out Irene Shaland’s Latest book “Shaland’s Jewish Travel Guide to Malta and Corsica.“

Learn more about the photographer Alex Shaland.

Take a look at Alex Shaland’s adventure book “Suburbanites on Safari.“