Shavei Israel Q&A: Isabel Fuentes, Spain
Isabel Fuentes
Isabel Fuentes feels she is living between two worlds. On the one hand, she knows intuitively that her family has Jewish roots. But she has been unable to uncover concrete proof. Nevertheless, the 35-year-old journalist and resident of Granada, Spain, has embarked on a spiritual quest to discover her past, with the hope to one day rejoin the Jewish people.
What made you want to explore your Jewish roots?
Growing up, I didn’t know anything about Judaism. There was no consciousness of it at all in our family – perhaps there was with my grandparents, but unfortunately they are no longer alive.
In 2003, I read something about Bnei Anousim [the descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism more than 500 years ago]. When I learned a little bit about Judaism, I was surprised: nothing sounded so new to me. Jewish ethics were just like my own ethics. It was as if I saw my own thoughts written down! So I started to investigate further.
Although I don’t have any real proof of my Jewish roots, my family names have probable Jewish origins. These include Rojas, Luna, Barquero, Calderón, Benegas, Adame, Pérez, Miralles, Martínez, Zabala and Talón.
Were there any Jewish customs in your home growing up?
Again, there was nothing concrete, although there are a lot of small details and rituals that my brother and I think may be related to a Jewish past. For example, after visiting a cemetery, we must take a shower and wash our clothes as well as our shoes – this is similar to the Jewish commandment of purification after coming in contact with death. There are also certain non-kosher fish that we traditionally have not eaten. And we have a saying here in the Andalusia region where we curse the Pharaoh!
The most important thing, I feel, is that the system of values we have in our family seems to me to be closer to that of Judaism than to the society in which we grew up.
How did you begin to learn more about your Jewish roots?
At first I learned more from the Internet – from sites such as Chabad and Aish.com. Then I started to buy books on Jewish literature and philosophy: the Torah with Rashi, the Shulchan Aruch, the prayer book, and writings from the Chafetz Haim.
Recently, I was in a lesson from Rabbi Nissan Ben-Avraham (Shavei Israel’s emissary to Spain) in Seville – it was wonderful. I would like to start a study group with Rabbi Nissan in Granada. We are trying our best to find people, but it is unfortunately slow and that is a bit sad and frustrating. I am also studying Hebrew over the Internet.
My path towards Judaism was a little different than most Bnei Anousim who go from Christianity to Judaism. The inconsistency of the messages I received from Christianity made me become an atheist and I always avoided contact with religion…until I found Judaism.
Here’s something else that surprised me: my Jewish friends were completely disinterested in what was happening to me. They always stayed on the side; they even tried to discourage me. Now I thank them, because I’m sure that being alone in this process made me stronger and convinced me that my connection to Judaism is true.
Is anyone else in your family interested as well?
When I tell them what I’ve learned, some members of my family have a certain affinity and even respect for Judaism, although it seems more for the cultural and historical parts than the religious side.
What is your level of Jewish observance today?
Beginning in 2003, I gradually started to eat kosher, keep Shabbat and observe Jewish law, according to what I know. It’s not always easy in Spain – for example, the Jewish festivals often fall on work days. But I try to do my best.
What are your dreams for the future?
Many years ago, an Anousim whom I got to know asked me what brought me to Judaism. And I told him straight out: “I want to be part of this people.” Yes, it can be difficult, but I have no doubt that it’s the right way. I feel a connection to Judaism so closely that it doesn’t seem “new” or “different.” I think that means that I am truly becoming a part of the Jewish people.