This Shavuot, you can help three brave women rejoin the Jewish people
Italian concert pianist Miriam Sangiorgio only learned of her Jewish roots in a dramatic revelation in her father’s dying days. 
Miriam Pena of Peru dreamed of seeing the desert. But when she arrived in Israel, her heart told her she was part of the Jewish people.
What all three of these brave women have in common is that they are Bnei Anousim (people whose ancestors were compelled to convert to Catholicism more than five centuries ago at the time of the Spanish Inquisition) and that they are studying to re-engage the heritage they nearly lost at Shavei Israel‘s Spanish-language Machon Miriam Jewish Institute for Return and Conversion in Jerusalem.
Each week, more than 100 men and women from around the world gather to study at Machon Miriam. They come from such far-flung places as Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Costa Rica. At Machon Miriam, they find a warm and loving environment where they are able to deepen their knowledge and faith as they make the long journey home to Zion and the Jewish people.
Students at Machon Miriam do not pay tuition for the year-long program, as many of them come to Israel with very limited financial resources. The cost to Shavei Israel, however, is significant. We need your help to continue our life-changing programs for the Bnei Anousim in Israel.
- For only $50, you can sponsor a class at Machon Miriam.
- For $250, you can make it possible for us to provide a full day of learning.
- For $2,500, you can support an entire month of study.
Next week, we celebrate the Shavuot festival, which marks the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Shavuot represents the paradigm of Jewish learning; indeed, it is the defining moment for the Jewish people. Our students at Machon Miriam are studying passionately so they can accept the Torah today…here in Jerusalem. With your help, they will join our people – in the joyful spirit of this pivotal holiday.
Please visit our support page to make your contribution.