Reyna Simnegar: Her Family Hid Their Judaism for 500 Years

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