Upcoming Virtual Lecture: How the Jews of Iberia Changed the Course of World History

Join Qesher for an extraordinary virtual journey into Portugal’s largely unknown, yet utterly fascinating, Jewish history. Acclaimed art and travel writer Irene Shaland, an internationally published historian and author, will transport you through time, from Roman and Visigoth eras to the brilliant Age of Discoveries, and right up to today’s blossoming community. Discover the resilient spirit and secret traditions that survived centuries of Inquisition and persecution, making Portugal a unique safe haven during World War II.

Would you like to know more about the specific dates and times for this virtual event, or perhaps details about Irene Shaland’s books on the topic?

Date: Thursday, January 29 – 3 pm Eastern Time

Duration: 65-75 minutes for presentation, 90 minutes total with Q&A

About the Presenter

Irene Shaland is an internationally published art and travel writer and educator, with 7 books and over 30 magazine articles published in the US, Canada, and the UK. She is a contributing author and lecturer at academic institutions such as the Siegal College of Jewish Studies and Touro Law School in New York, and Center for Jewish History Research, as well as museums and cultural institutions, such as Museum of Jewish Heritage in Cleveland and New York, Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies, BZD, Qesher, and other communal organizations focusing on Jewish history.

Learn about Irene Shaland’s books on the subject: https://amzn.to/3DM6rDk

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“Jewish Revival in the Mediterranean: Rediscovering Hidden Legacies”

Come VIRTUALLY to Irene Shaland’s lecture on
February 11th at 11:00 AM EST

Presenter:

Internationally published writer and educator Irene Shaland

Date and Time of this virtual event:

Tuesday, February 11th at 11:00 AM EST

Description:

Travel to Southern Italy, which presents an unusually optimistic chapter in the history of the Jewish Diaspora. Visit the islands of Sicily and Sardinia and the tip of the Italian “boot,” Calabria, in the company of a Jewish author and historian Irene Shaland. On this virtual trip, you will discover a world of little-known Jewish history: centuries marked by fear and secrets, decades filled with the search for one’s identity, and the courage to defy conventions by reinventing oneself.

These are the stories of B’nei Anousim, or “children of the forced ones” from Southern Italy. The destruction of synagogues and the burning of “Judaizers” five centuries ago forced the Jews of Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria to take their traditions down to the cellars of their homes, where the memories and stories were kept alive, even when descendants forgot their exact meaning.

And now, the number of those with a “call of blood,” who think they have Jewish ancestry and want to learn more about it or even embrace their newly-discovered heritage, is on the rise throughout Southern Italy. Let the story of the Anousim lead you into the world of hope – the cultural and spiritual reawakening – The Return of The Jews.

For registration and ticketing information follow the link below:

https://bzdisrael.org/jewish-revival-in-the-mediterranean-rediscovering-hidden-legacies/

Learn more about the presenter, Irene Shaland:

https://amzn.to/3DM6rDk

More about Irene Shaland.