What Is Crypto-Judaism and Why Is Mashhad Unique? Crypto-Judaism connects to the forced conversions of Jews in Spain and Portugal. This happened after the pogroms of 1391 and the rise of the Inquisition. In these areas, Jews publicly adopted Christianity. At the same...
Jewish history is often told through stories of scholarship, trade, faith, and survival. Jewish explorers often faced tough challenges as they expanded the fields of geography and science. Their stories are less frequently told but are truly remarkable. Rudolf...
Global exploration history often highlights famous sailors and conquerors. Many of these voyages relied on scholars. Their work made long-distance navigation possible. One key figure was Avraham Zacuto. He was a Jewish astronomer, historian, and philosopher. His...
Japan isn’t usually the first place people think of when it comes to Jewish migration. In the mid-19th century, Japan slowly opened up to the West. During this time, Nagasaki turned into an unexpected home for a small, lively Jewish community. This short chapter...
The history of Jewish exploration features a fascinating figure from the 9th century: Eldad Hadani, or Eldad Hadanite. Claiming to be a member of the lost tribe of Dan, Eldad appeared in Kairouan, in present-day Tunisia, in the year 883. He told the local Jewish...
