Reyna Simnegar: Her Family Hid Their Judaism for 500 Years

from Meaningful People · host Meaningful Minute

She grew up Catholic in Venezuela, never knowing Jews still existed, yet her family quietly lit candles, covered mirrors, and placed stones on graves. Centuries-old Jewish practices survived in her home without explanation, passed down in secret since the Spanish Inquisition. In this episode, Reyna Simnegar shares her extraordinary journey from Venezuela to Judaism: uncovering crypto-Jewish roots dating back over 500 years, discovering her family's hidden mesorah, living through political collapse under Chávez, and ultimately converting Orthodox and building a Jewish life and family. From Schindler's List to UCLA, from Taco Bell to Jerusalem, this is a powerful story of identity, faith, exile, and return. A rare, deeply personal conversation about Anusim, survival, and what it means to come home, even when it takes generations. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _____________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful _____________________ ► Move to San Antonio - The Other Texas A growing Jewish community offering warmth, learning, affordability, and opportunity. Small-town feel, strong values, and a big future just outside Austin. https://www.rodfeisholom.com/movetosa _____________________ ► Givat Hashalva Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim. https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN _____________________ ► Wruble & Co Exceptional legal service starts with a genuine personal connection. We deliver clear, efficient, results-driven legal counsel in Israeli real estate, always guided by the client's individual needs. Through transparency, care, and clarity, we support confident decision-making at every step. https://www.wrublelaw.co.il/ _____________________ ► Dream Raffle Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim! Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets! https://thedreamraffle.com/ _____________________ ► Rothenberg Law Firm Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation https://shorturl.at/JFKHH _____________________ ► Town Appliance Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp

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