Sparks of Fractured Faiths

And the New Mexico History Museum: Congregation B'nai Israel is proud to present Sparks of Fractured Faiths, the January installment of the popular Shabbat Sparks series of Friday evening events.

Our guest speaker, Dr Ron Duncan Hart, will speak about the upcoming exhibition Fractured Faiths: Spanish Judaism, The Inquisition and New World Identities, which will open at the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe on May 22, 2016.

 Fractured Faiths
Spanish Judaism, The Inquisition,
and New World Identities
Dr Ron Duncan Hart
Friday January 29 ~ 6:30 pm
Congregation B'nai Israel

The exhibition tells the story of Spanish Jewry from the time of the original expulsion edict issued in 1492 through modern times, detailing the struggles of generations of descendants as they ultimately became successful merchants, artists and philanthropists in New Mexico. Some became conversos, others “Crypto-Jews” in their efforts to survive and create new identities for themselves.

Over 100 artifacts will be on display, most never before allowed out of Spain. These artifacts will be coupled with similar documents from the New World, chronicling the history of the Spanish Sephardim in America.

You will have an opportunity to meet Dr Hart at an informal Wine and Lite Bites beginning at 6:30 pm in the social hall.

The cost is $7.00 per person, with RSVPs and payment due by January 26th. 

There will be a lay-led service beginning at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Dr Hart will speak during the service. Everyone is invited to attend the Oneg following services, where you will have further opportunities to visit with Dr Hart.

Dr Hart is a cultural anthropologist and former university vice president and dean.

He is the publisher and editor of Gaon Books, located in Santa Fe. Gaon Books is particularly interested in publishing works of Jewish non-fiction and works that feature women’s voices. Its focus is on history, spirituality and Sephardic traditions.

Dr Hart is an active member of the board of the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society, serving as Program Chair for four years. He earned his PhD in cultural anthropology from Indiana University, and went on to do post-doctoral work at Oxford University in Jewish studies, focusing on Sephardic figures from Medieval Europe.

This is one Shabbat Sparks event
you definitely won’t want to miss!