Mexico

CONNECT WITH THE JEWS OF MEXICO!

The first Jews came to Mexico with Hernando Cortes during the 16th century when Cortes conquered the Aztecs. These Jews, having survived the Spanish Inquisition, were conversos, meaning they had converted to Christianity. Some of these conversos lived their lives as full Christians while others continued practicing Jewish customs in secret. These conversos lived in relative comfort in the New World until an Inquisition tribunal was established in Mexico City in 1571. During the colonial period, about 1500 people were convicted of practicing Jewish rituals. Persecution of Jews continued until the beginning of the 18th century when measures of religious freedom were introduced. Over the years, many converso families assimilated, leading to modern-day Mexican Catholics who engage in certain Jewish rituals like lighting candles on Friday night.

In Mexico City, the modern Jewish community consists of descendants of conversos as well as descendants of the European and Middle Eastern immigrants that arrived in the 19th and 20th centuries. Most Mexican Jews live in Mexico City, which boasts nearly 2 dozen synagogues, a number of Jewish schools, and several kosher restaurants. Mexico City even has a Jewish mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum. Come explore this historic and vibrant community with us!

PLACES OF INTEREST

SYNAGOGUES

PLACES TO EAT