On reading a critique on the various writings on the Jews in Brazil in the 17th century, one note struck me as amusing and in a few words very illuminating (so much for the poor scared converso....absolutely wonderful)Untill the 18th Century,it was not unusual for Amsterdam Jews to assume the risk of going to what the parnassim called the "Land of Idolatry" (Spain, Portugal,Brazil) to seek their fortunes. On returning to Amsterdam, thesefortune-hunters had to make public penitence in the PortugueseSynagogue. Only then could they be included in the religious quorum - the minyan. Such adventurers could not, however, be called to the Torah or officiate as hazmnim (cantors) until four years after their return. One Daniel Habillo1l and another, IsaacCorrea, went to Brazil, "left the Law of God, and became Christians."When they returned to Amsterdam in 1645, they made public penitence in the synagogue.