Who were the Anusim?
The term "anusim" (forced in Hebrew) refers specifically to Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition, but who continued practicing Judaism in secret. Unlike voluntary conversos, the anusim maintained their internal Jewish identity while adopting a Christian facade to survive.
Historical context
The situation of the anusim intensified with the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition in 1478. Under constant pressure of religious persecution, many Jews were forced to choose between conversion, exile, or death. Those who opted for forced conversion became anusim.
The double life
The anusim developed a complex network of secret practices to keep their Jewish faith alive while appearing to be devout Christians. This dual existence required extraordinary discipline and creativity:
Hidden religious practices
- Secret candle lighting: On Friday nights, families lit candles in basements or hidden rooms to celebrate Shabbat
- Modified fasting: They adapted traditional Jewish fasts so they wouldn't coincide with obvious Christian dates
- Whispered prayers: They recited the Shema and other prayers in Hebrew very quietly, often during Christian prayers
- Secret kosher preparation: They maintained Jewish dietary laws discreetly, avoiding pork and other forbidden foods
Rites of passage
The most critical moments in anusim life were rites of passage. Circumcision was performed in secret, often by people without adequate medical training. Marriages included hidden Jewish elements within mandatory Christian ceremonies.
Symbols and signs
The anusim developed an elaborate system of symbols to communicate with each other and transmit their heritage:
Architectural symbols
- Hidden Star of David: Subtly incorporated into house decorations and objects
- Hidden mezuzot: Small scrolls with biblical verses hidden in door frames
- Jerusalem orientation: Houses built with main rooms facing east
Linguistic codes
They developed a coded vocabulary where Jewish holidays had code names. For example, Passover could be referred to as "the spring festival" or Yom Kippur as "the day of forgiveness."
The legacy in America
Many descendants of anusim came to America, where some families have maintained ancestral traditions without fully knowing their Jewish origin. In countries like Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and others, researchers have documented practices suggesting crypto-Jewish heritage:
- Lighting candles on Fridays
- Avoiding certain foods for no apparent reason
- Family traditions of special cleaning before certain dates
- Prayers or songs in unknown languages
The study of anusim continues to reveal the extraordinary resistance of the human spirit and the capacity to preserve cultural identity even under the most adverse circumstances.
