EPISODE · Jan 29, 2026 · 44 MIN
Secret Jews: Samuel Schwarz’s Discovery of Portugal’s Crypto-Jews
from Jewish History Nerds · host Unpacked
Please fill out this short survey. Go to: unpacked.bio/podsurvey. We want to hear from you! This week, Jewish History Nerds explores the extraordinary story of Portugal’s secret Jews—families forced into hiding who preserved Judaism for centuries after the Inquisition. Through Samuel Schwarz’s accidental 1925 discovery, Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner reveal whispered prayers, hidden rituals, and a Jewish life sustained entirely underground—and reflect on what it takes to carry Jewish identity forward when faith must be practiced in secret. Plus: Don’t miss Schwab’s thoughts on his least favorite couple of all time. If you like this show, please write a review wherever you get your podcasts. And be in touch. Write to us at [email protected]. Here is a link to Dr. Henry Abramson's translation of Samuel Schwartz's book: Discovering the Crypto-Jews of Portugal https://www.amazon.nl/-/en/Discovering-Crypto-Jews-Portugal-Samuel-Schwarz/dp/B0FK5M53KJ For more on Samuel Schwarz and the discovery of the Crypto-Jews of Portugal, click here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cgXAN6EiJRw9qWGHeR_QeTDGMn10LutLXUZqo1iod-4/edit?usp=sharing Watch Yael and Schwab on YouTube: This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
What this episode covers
Please fill out this short survey. Go to: unpacked.bio/podsurvey. We want to hear from you! This week, Jewish History Nerds explores the extraordinary story of Portugal’s secret Jews—families forced into hiding who preserved Judaism for centuries after the Inquisition. Through Samuel Schwarz’s accidental 1925 discovery, Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner reveal whispered prayers, hidden rituals, and a Jewish life sustained entirely underground—and reflect on what it takes to carry Jewish identity forward when faith must be practiced in secret. Plus: Don’t miss Schwab’s thoughts on his least favorite couple of all time. If you like this show, please write a review wherever you get your podcasts. And be in touch. Write to us at [email protected]. Here is a link to Dr. Henry Abramson's translation of Samuel Schwartz's book: Discovering the Crypto-Jews of Portugal https://www.amazon.nl/-/en/Discovering-Crypto-Jews-Portugal-Samuel-Schwarz/dp/B0FK5M53KJ For more on Samuel Schwarz and the discovery of the Crypto-Jews of Portugal, click here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cgXAN6EiJRw9qWGHeR_QeTDGMn10LutLXUZqo1iod-4/edit?usp=sharing Watch Yael and Schwab on YouTube: This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews
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Secret Jews: Samuel Schwarz’s Discovery of Portugal’s Crypto-Jews
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