Posts by Marcia Fine
25 posts
I loved two trips to Portugal. Great history, archaeology, fresh veggies and fish and Belmonte, an exceptional small town with an unusual story! I have a great guide who knows Sephardic history if anyone is interested.
The cover of my new novel about Rhodes features a photo I took a few months ago. It struck me because the headstones were damaged. The governor, de Vecchio, ordered the grave stones used to build a mansion before WWII. It was going to be Mussolini's summer home. Some had holes drilled in them. It broke my heart.
An excellent explanation as to the history of how we became separated. We're all one faith...
My article about "hidden Jews" in Portugal has been published!
Fractured Faiths: Spanish Judaism, The Inquisition and New World Identities By Marcia FineRecently I visited Santa Fe, New Mexico for a conference. To my delight there was an exhibit at the New Mexico History Museum on a subject that I have written about and continue to research—the migration of Jews known as conversos or hidden ones fleeing the Mexican Inquisition north to what is today new Mexi...
I have written about this day and will be speaking about it next week. It demonstrates how fear, anger and prejudice can lead people to commit murder on innocent souls. Stop for a moment and think about those who perished at Rossio Square. It looks the same today as it did in 1506. Where does the evil come from?
Where else do rabbis and bishops mix with genealogists, professors, musicologists, filmmakers, writers, psychologists, cultural anthropologists and photographers to explore Jews who hailed from the Iberian coast, North Africa and beyond after the Expulsion in 1492?At the Society of Crypto-Judaic Studies! The purpose of the group is to nurture a global organization for those researching the history...
This is one of the places where Jews and Muslims live together in harmony. . They work together, their children play together, they accept the other's traditions. Yes, it can work if people remain calm and caring.
This year I am making Chicken Marbella in honor of Sephardic traditions. This woman has a wonderful history! Feliz Pascua everyone!
My research about the Inquisition in Mexico has taken me on an interesting journey. People's stories remain with me--their families, where they fled to, how long they stayed. It was inspiring to walk with history.
I have just written the final words of my saga about the Inquisition in Mexico. This article answers questions I am asked often, especially about how many were put to death. The term that was used was "relaxed." Because they kept accurate records, most historians feel it was 2% of those accused and tried, which became tens of thousands. What struck me when I visited Mexico to do research was not t...
I am working all this information into my next novel, HIDDEN ONES. I still find it shocking to read. The denial of the perpetrators continues. How can we avoid this in the future if it is not acknowledged? I walked through the doors pictured below a few weeks ago. I had chills standing in one of the cells. Most people don't know the Inquisition chased people to India and the Philippines.
I recently returned from researching Sephardim in Mexico City. The Museo de la Medicina Mexicana (the med students dissect cadavers there) houses the Inquisition Museum. It has been open for two years. It was informative and graphic. My guide pointed out that the Secretario de Secretos sat in the corner of the room writing all that was said. I felt an overwhelming sadness as I looked around. The 2...
Ever wonder what happens to a community when everyone moves away? This is another story of the Diaspora and how so many had to adjust to a new culture. These Portuguese Jews arrived in the 16th c. and maintained their identity through centuries. There's something special in the way they preserved their heritage. The remnants who are left are brave. I applaud their neighbors who assist them.
I am reading Alice Hoffman's new novel, MARRIAGE of OPPOSITES about Sephardic artist Camille Pissaro who grew up in St. Thomas. What a great story about his family got there in the Diaspora and written in poetic language. I never want this book to end!
This is an article about a family who uncovered amazing history. We have to keep it alive. I researched two of the incidents mentioned in here: the massacre at Rossio Square and mass conversions for accuracy in my book THE BLIND EYE--A Sephardic Journey.
Hello Friends!I will be delivering a paper about Sephardim and genetic memory at this conference on Sun. afternoon. I would love to meet some of you in the Miami area. I am inquiring about an "event rate." Ck out their website on FB for concerts, lectures, panels, etc. It's all about Sephardim!Marcia It's Not to Too Late To Register Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies25th Anniversary Conference19-21...
Our people have been flung around the world. Here's a place where we had strong roots. I want to see this when it's completed!
Have you been to this musee? I want to see it now! Great piece of history.
I am writing another novel about the Sephardic experience and found this article about a museum I missed in Paris! Most interesting family history. I can't wait to go!
Helder was a genius. He expressed himself with sensitivity. His ego never allowed him to promote himself. He is part of Sephardic history.
I am still thinking about this film two days later. We can't abandon these people...