Europe - Ethnic & Race Relations, Jewish History - Europe - General & Miscellaneous, Spain - History - General & Miscellaneous, Roman Catholic Church History, Spain - History - Social Aspects, Europe - Religious History, Spain - History - 1474 - 1700 (Uni

Cryptojudaism and the Spanish Inquisition

Name: Cryptojudaism and the Spanish Inquisition
Author: Michael Alpert
ISBN: 9780333917916

by Michael Alpert

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Overview

Cyrptojudaism and the Spanish Inquisition explores Spanish secret Judaism and the Inquisition, which strove to uproot the "Judaizing heresy" among baptized Jews and their descendants. Even in the 18th-century, Cryptojudaism was still prevalent, but the Inquisition finally triumphed. This book describes the private lives of the cyrpto-Jew, as revealed in their confessions, together with their fate in prison and at the auto defeat at which they abjured their Judaism and were reconciled to the Church or, if not, burnt at the stake.

Synopsis

Examines the phenomenon of crypto-Judaism, how it began and how it developed. Relates the history of the Spanish Inquisition from the late 15th to the 18th centuries, in relation to its goal of rooting out and punishing Judaizers, i.e. Conversos who were charged with returning to Judaism. The accused were arrested, imprisoned, and tortured, after which most "repented" and were then punished according to the Church's rules. Approximately 40% of the Inquisition's victims were Judaizers; they were the most severely punished, often by flogging, sometimes forced to serve as galley rowers; 10% of them were killed. Inquisition archives also provide information about crypto-Jews who attempted to live double lives amidst great danger.

About the Author, Michael Alpert

Michael Alpert is Professor of Modern and Contemporary History of Spain, University of Westminster.

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Booknews

Using mainly inquisitorial trial documents, Alpert (modern and contemporary history of Spain, U. of Westminster) throws light on the structures of crypto-Jewish life in Spain during the 17th and 18th centuries. He also looks at the origin of the phenomenon of Spanish people who were baptized Catholics secretly practicing Judaism, and what it meant for the Spanish Church, the Spaniard in the street, and Jews leading open Jewish lives in other countries. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)