Crypto-Jews, also known as Marrano Jews, originated from the Sephardic Jewish community who resided mostly in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). During the Spanish Inquisition beginning in 1478, the Jews of those countries were forced to convert to Catholicism. While many of the Sephardic Jews fled the countries, others—now identified as Crypto-Jews—were baptized Catholic and followed its practices while practicing Judaism in secret.
Who Are the Crypto-Jews?
The word “Crypto” means hidden. The group who became identified as Crypto-Jews were Catholic on the outside and Jewish on the inside. They continued with Jewish traditions such as eating kosher food, obeying the Jewish sabbath, lighting of candles, and other traditions. For self-preservation, Crypto-Jews claimed Catholicism. In extreme cases, they may have kept their Jewish identities secret from their children for their safety and the safety of succeeding generations. Over time, others truly converted to Catholicism and never looked back.
Through the centuries some have discovered their Jewish identity from a grandparent or from finding family memorabilia from their Jewish pasts.
Crypto-Jews History
Many Crypto-Jews immigrated to the Americas and mixed in with local populations. As these families moved about seeking refuge, they were often met with resistance. Some governments passed laws prohibiting their entry. For example, under Spanish rule, Mexico passed pure blood laws (limpieza de sangre or pure blood) like those in Spain. Pure blood laws prohibited “new Christians” from migrating to Mexico. Immigrants, particularly from Spain and Portugal, had to prove that they were “old Christians," meaning they had practiced Christianity for at least 3 generations.
Where Are the Crypto-Jews Now?
Under Spanish influence, Mexico had its own inquisition, and those who had returned back to their Jewish identities were most at risk. For self-preservation, the Crypto-Jews often moved to areas where they were hard to find.
Identifying Crypto-Jewish Roots
Finding family lines for Crypto-Jewish ancestry is much like any other genealogical search. But making the connection that an ancestor who was practicing Catholicism was secretly a Crypto-Jew may require identifying subtle clues. Here are some sources you can use to find your Crypto-Jewish roots.
Surnames
Among other changes made by Crypto-Jews, they also changed their surnames—many to surnames that ended in “ez,” a Spanish patronymic suffix meaning “son of” or “child of.” The “ez” name ending hints that your Jewish roots probably originated in Spain and Portugal.
Cemetery Headstones
The best sources of clearer information might be found on headstones and cemetery records. Jewish cemeteries are found in many areas, but if there is no Jewish cemetery, there are often Jewish sections in cemeteries. You may also find Jewish headstones intermixed throughout other cemeteries. In any case, headstones may be of traditional Jewish design or include traditional Jewish symbols or designs.
Language and Architecture
If you are trying to identify whether your ancestor is Crypto-Jewish, take a look at the language and architecture around their hometown. Use of the Ladino language, a derivative of Hebrew with aspects of the old Spanish Castilian language of Spain and Portugal, hints of such origins. Watch for Jewish symbols, such as the Star of David, on or in churches that the ancestor attended, even though they are not Jewish synagogues.
Church Records
Check for your ancestor in church records. Sometimes, Jewish names and vital events were inscribed separately in the back of Catholic or other parish registers.
Family Memorabilia
Looking through family memorabilia might provide clues of your Jewish roots. In a conversation with a Catholic priest, Todd Knowles, deputy chief genealogical officer for Jewish genealogy at FamilySearch, was told that the priest had just become aware of some heirlooms in a trunk his father left to him. The artifacts included yamakas (also known as Kippahs or yarmulkes), stars of David, and other traditional Jewish items. These heirlooms helped him discover his Crypto-Jewish heritage.
Synagogues and Inquisition Records
The most likely place to find Jewish records from many years ago would probably be in synagogue or old inquisition records. These records might be held in the synagogues themselves, but it is more likely that they are no longer held in the synagogues.
Other Sources
- Family stories often contain hints or explanations of heritage.
- The Knowles Collection includes known Jewish names from a variety of sources. Check out this article to learn how to search the Knowles Collection for your Jewish ancestors.
- Attend classes on Jewish research. FamilySearch has a large collection of free recorded webinars on these and related topics. You can also check out this video series from RootsTech about Crypto-Jewish genealogy.
- A list of other webinars and online classes outside of FamilySearch are also online. Some are free while others are at subscription websites.
