Judaism in Brazil

Definition

Judaism in Brazil not only refers to the contemporary community, but also to its presence in the nation over the last 500 years.

Introduction

To properly appreciate the history and contemporary expressions of Judaism in Brazil it is necessary to do a thorough overview of Jewish individuals, institutions, and significant events since the sixteenth century. This article is a brief overview of these key themes and stories.

Portugese Colonial Presence

The history of Jewish presence in Brazil stretches back to the very earliest contact between Portugal and the American continent. Indeed, Gaspar de Gama and Mestre João – who accompanied Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500 – were Jews by birth. However, when he arrived in Portugal he was one of many conversos or “New Christians” who had been forced to convert in the wake of the Inquisition. Although they hid their religious practice and were under constant threat of exposure and persecution, many Jewish conversos...