THE NEW NEW YORKERS, Uncovering a hidden heritage, Some immigrants of Hispanic descent are awakening to their Jewish roots and embracing the faith CITY Edition

Only as an adult living in New York did Riker discover that her family's traditions were Jewish. She now believes she is descended from Spanish Jews, who in the 15th century accepted Christianity publicly to satisfy the Inquisition, while continuing to practice Judaism in secret. Despite the re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNewsday
Main Author BEN HARRIS. Ben Harris is a freelance writer
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Long Island, N.Y Newsday LLC 13.04.2005
EditionCombined editions
Subjects
Godoy, Alejandro
Riker, Vivian
Vinas, Emmanuel
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Summary:Only as an adult living in New York did Riker discover that her family's traditions were Jewish. She now believes she is descended from Spanish Jews, who in the 15th century accepted Christianity publicly to satisfy the Inquisition, while continuing to practice Judaism in secret. Despite the readiness of some Hispanics of Jewish descent to convert, the greater Jewish community has been slow to reach out to this population, [Emmanuel Vinas] said. Riker converted in March 2003, and a week later, she and her husband, Howard, who is Jewish, were remarried in a religious ceremony with Vinas presiding. Howard Riker proudly shows off his two wedding bands, one from the religious ceremony and one from the civil service performed in 1986.