Crypto-Judaic Studies

Anousim Conference Meets in El Paso

September 1, 2005

written by Arthur Benveniste, HaLapid, Fall 2005

Just two weeks after SCJS held its annual conference in Miami Beach, a similar conference convened in El Paso, TX, August 19-21. Titled “The Sephardic Anousim Conference,” it was hosted by local Congregation B’nai Zion.

El Paso is a city with a strong crypto-Jewish presence and Rabbi Stephen A. Leon of Congegation B’nai Zion has a long history of working with anousim, assisting them in their return to Judaism. Rabbi Leon delivered the keynote address after Friday evening candle lighting and dinner. His topic: “The Crypto-Jews of the Southwest; How and Why They Are Returning to Judaism.” It is a topic with which he is acquainted.