Since their exodus out of Egypt, the Jews have wandered all across the globe, emerging as history’s ultimate nomads. For centuries, Jewish communities have been prone to appear, disappear and reappear almost anywhere, belonging everywhere and yet nowhere. In a series of television documentaries, the audience is taken on a journey through the long, sometimes tragic yet noble story of the Jews throughout history.

Brazil

For most people, the connection between swinging, sensual Brazil and Judaism is a highly unlikely one. But the fact is that Jews played a significant role in Brazilian history from the start, though this is generally not taught at school. In 1497, Jews in Portugal were forced to convert and were henceforth known as New Christians. As the power and pressure of the Inquisition grew in Portugal, the newly discovered land of Brazil became a favorite destination for Jewish converts to Catholicism, far from the Inquisition.

What role did the New Christians play in the Portuguese colonization of Brazil? How did the Dutch invasion and rule of northeast Brazil influence this Crypto-Jewish community and how did it lead to the revival of Jewish culture in South America and the construction of the oldest synagogue in the Americas? What became of this young and vibrant Jewish community after the Dutch were thrown out by the Portuguese and how did it lead to what is called Marranism…? (In a society where the authorities and the Catholic Church prohibited the Jewish faith, a way had to be found to practice it without anyone noticing). With researchers, scholars and members of the Marrano community as guides, this visual journey through exotic Brazil, its sights, sounds and people gives the viewer insight into a chapter of history that has been hidden for too long.

Portugal

In 1492, more than 100.000 Jewish refugees expelled from Spain, crossed the border to Portugal, near the villages of Castelo de Vide and Marvao, reinforcing the native vibrant Jewish community of Portugal. But in 1496, 4 years after the Jews where expelled from Spain, a political manoeuvre taken by King Manuel of Portugal had a destructive impact on the Jewish community of Portugal. Unlike in Spain, where Jews got to choose between conversion or expulsion, In Portugal the majority of the Jews were baptized by force.

This visual Journey through Jewish Portugal recollects their heritage of, first as Jews and later as New Christians. Some historians claim that in 1497 and before they were forced to convert, Jews made up one fifth of the total Portuguese population. Though the present Jewish community of Portugal is one of the smallest in the world, in many Portuguese veins runs Jewish blood.

Spain

For 1500 years, Jews on the Iberian Peninsula played a significant role in the flourishing civilizations created by Muslims and Christians alike, becoming the largest and most distinguished Jewish community in Europe. But in 1492, they were expelled. Their legacy is physically and spiritually rooted in landmarks, archeological remains, documents and literature, customs and legends and still, for almost 500 years, their heritage was in the shadows and off limits. For too long, Spain chose to live without an important part of its history.

Why where the Jews expelled from Spain and how did they become taboo? What remains of the Jews in the collective memory of the Spaniard and what is being done to change the perspective on the Jews?

This visual Journey through Jewish Spain recollects the drama that took place 500 years ago through the eyes of present-day Spain, its sights, sounds and people.

The three part series, History’s Ultimate Nomads: Portugal, Spain, Brazil can be purchased for home use at: Ruth Diskin Films.