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To the End of the Earth: A History of the Crypto-Jews of New Mexico

stanley m. hordes

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In 1981, while working as New Mexico State Historian, Stanley M. Hordes began to hear stories of Hispanos who lit candles on Friday night and abstained from eating pork. Puzzling over the matter, Hordes realized that these practices might very well have been passed down through the centuries from early crypto-Jewish settlers in New Spain. After extensive research and hundreds of interviews, Hordes concluded that there was, in New Mexico and the Southwest, a Sephardic legacy derived from the "converso" community of Spanish Jews.

In "To the End of the Earth," Hordes explores the remarkable story of crypto-Jews and the tenuous preservation of Jewish rituals and traditions in Mexico and New Mexico over the past five hundred years. He follows the crypto-Jews from their Jewish origins in medieval Spain and Portugal to their efforts to escape persecution by migrating to the New World and settling in the far reaches of the northern Mexican frontier.

Drawing on individual biographies (including those of colonial officials accused of secretly practicing Judaism), family histories, Inquisition records, letters, and other primary sources, Hordes provides a richly detailed account of the economic, social and religious lives of crypto-Jews during the colonial period and after the annexation of New Mexico by the United States in 1846. While the American government offered more religious freedom than had the Spanish colonial rulers, cultural assimilation into Anglo-American society weakened many elements of the crypto-Jewish tradition.

Hordes concludes with a discussion of the reemergence of crypto-Jewish culture and the reclamation of Jewish ancestry within the Hispano community in the late twentieth century. He examines the publicity surrounding the rediscovery of the crypto-Jewish community and explores the challenges inherent in a study that attempts to reconstruct the history of a people who tried to leave no documentary record.

348 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,2005
Literary awards
gaspar pérez de villagrá award, 

This edition

Format
348 pages, Hardcover
Published
August 30, 2005 by Columbia University Press
ISBN
9780231129367
ASIN
023112936X
Language
English

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stanley m. hordes

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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 10 votes)
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Noahboy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A well-researched history details the story of the Jews who left Spain and Portugal after the start of the Inquisition.

They journeyed to settle in Mexico and New Mexico.

The account provides valuable insights into their experiences and the challenges they faced.

The last two chapters, in particular, focus on their modern-day descendants.

This exploration makes me extremely curious about the hidden and forgotten practices of the Hispanic "conversos" in the Land of Enchantment.

It makes me wonder what traditions and customs have been passed down through the generations, perhaps remaining hidden from the mainstream.

These forgotten practices could offer a unique perspective on the rich and diverse history of the region.

Studying them might help us better understand the complex tapestry of cultures that have contributed to the making of modern-day Mexico and New Mexico.

Overall, this history has piqued my interest and left me eager to learn more about the fascinating world of the Hispanic "conversos" and their hidden heritage.
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RealYRC
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A wonderful book offers an in-depth look into the lives of 9 families over the course of hundreds of years. It delves into the fascinating world of crypto Jews, a topic that many may not be familiar with.

These crypto Jews, also known as secret Jews, were individuals who had to hide their Jewish identity due to persecution. The book uncovers their stories, revealing the challenges they faced and the lengths they went to in order to preserve their faith and heritage.

Who knew that such a hidden history existed? This book provides a unique perspective and sheds light on a little-known aspect of Jewish history. It is a captivating read that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Whether you have an interest in history, religion, or simply a good story, this book is definitely worth checking out.
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Pastabeanchuu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I just re-read this book cover to cover with a different eye. Now that I understand he's talking about MY family, not just a general history of New Mexico.

The flow of the book is truly excellent. It effortlessly guides the reader through the story, making it a highly engaging and enjoyable read.

Moreover, it serves as a remarkable treasure trove of information for New Mexican family history. It provides detailed insights and valuable facts that can help uncover the rich heritage and unique stories of families in the region.

This book is not only a great literary work but also an important resource for those interested in exploring the history and roots of New Mexican families. It offers a fascinating perspective and a wealth of knowledge that is both educational and entertaining.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in New Mexican history or family genealogy. It is a must-read that will surely leave a lasting impression.
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scareads
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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While the topic of this book is truly fascinating,

I must admit that I found it to be much too scholarly for my taste.

The level of detail regarding the genealogies and politics of the times was so extensive that it actually made me become impatient.

It seemed as if the author was more focused on presenting a comprehensive and academic account rather than making the content more accessible and engaging for the average reader.

As a result, I often found myself skimming through the pages, eager to get to the parts that were more relevant and interesting to me.

Despite this drawback, I do appreciate the research and effort that went into writing this book.

It is clear that the author has a deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

However, I think that a more balanced approach could have been taken to make the book more enjoyable and beneficial for a wider audience.
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makawaiikitty
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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When I was residing and employed in Santa Fe, NM, Dr. Hordes was not only a congregant but also a friend. This was three decades ago, yet he was already engaged in the research that culminated in this book. Dr. Hordes, who was the state historian, noticed several occasions where people spoke of Jewish customs and traditions among local Hispanics. Intrigued, he directed his expertise towards learning more.

As a rabbi who had served a Portuguese Jewish congregation in the Caribbean, I had already delved into the history of Iberian Jewry and the Diaspora resulting from the expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal in 1492 and later from Portugal. This history enriches our understanding of that particular history in North America. It is highly readable, and I found it utterly fascinating. Moreover, it is an extremely early account of the cultural diversity that is fundamental to comprehending the United States. It ought to be read by anyone who is interested in how persecuted minorities deal with their situation in this country.

It provides valuable insights into the experiences and adaptations of these minorities, shedding light on a significant aspect of American history and society.
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Kosteh
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The author, an authority on the history of the crypto-Jews in New Mexico, presents his research in a highly engaging and accessible format. Drawn from numerous primary sources, his work delves into the lives of these individuals during the Inquisition in Spain, as well as in Mexico and New Mexico.

Not only does the author provide a detailed account of their experiences, but the extensive notes and bibliography make this book an invaluable reference that can be consulted time and again.

Furthermore, the inclusion of genealogical references adds another layer of significance. These references could prove to be of great value to Hispanic families who suspect that their lineage traces back to the crypto-Jews.

Overall, this book offers a comprehensive and fascinating exploration of a little-known chapter in history, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.
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Kurac02
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This book offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the migration of Sephardic Jews.

During the Spanish Inquisition, a significant number of these Jews fled from Spain and Portugal. Many of the refugees made their way to Mexico, as well as South America and India.

The book specifically delves into the history of the migration from Spain and Portugal, through Mexico, and ultimately to New Mexico.

Interestingly, a large number of the Sephardic Jews were Crypto-Jews. They had to hide their true faith, and over time, family members lost the understanding of why certain rituals were practiced.

Although many converted to Catholicism, they still continued some Jewish practices such as circumcision or placing Stars of David on their tombstones.

This topic holds personal significance for me as I have Ukrainian Jewish heritage, and my ex-husband's family was originally Portuguese Jews who migrated to North Mexico.

My ex was aware of his Jewish history on his father's side, and this was further confirmed by his uncle when we visited the family in Saltillo, Mexico.

Genetic traits also play a role in validating this family history, with certain diseases being common among people of Jewish ancestry.

Today, there are quite a few observant Sephardic Jews in New Mexico, and more and more people are uncovering their roots and proudly embracing them.

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AlbyAL
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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In this captivating book, Stanley Hordes delves into the intriguing question of whether remnants of a "crypto-Jewish" culture, initially brought in by Spanish settlers, still persist in New Mexico.

Scholars have debated the existence and extent of such a sub-culture, and the evidence is admittedly scant. However, Hordes presents a compelling case that some of New Mexico's earliest settlers were crypto-Jews, and that traces of that culture have contributed to shaping its history.

After the reunification of Spain in 1492, Jews were given the ultimatum to convert or emigrate. While some converted wholeheartedly, many did so only in name and continued to practice their faith secretly, earning the label of "crypto-Jews." To enforce religious orthodoxy, Spain established the Inquisition, which aimed to root out these crypto-Jews. Severe cases of crypto-Judaism were punishable by death.

Hordes contends that when Spain began colonizing Central America, some of the new colonists were crypto-Jews. These individuals fled to lands they believed would be beyond the reach of the Inquisition, only to discover that it had been exported to Mexico. According to Hordes, the ability of crypto-Jews to practice their faith fluctuated with the strength of the Inquisition in Mexico. He believes that some crypto-Jews joined the expedition to establish New Mexico in an attempt to escape its reach.

Hordes presents extensive evidence to support the existence of crypto-Jews in Mexico and New Mexico. This evidence includes genealogical records from Spain and Portugal, records of the Inquisition (which documented numerous cases of admitted crypto-Jews), differences in Catholic and Jewish naming patterns, endogamy patterns, evidence of Jewish symbols at gravesites and public places, oral histories, and DNA testing. Although Hordes acknowledges that his proof is not absolute due to the age and lack of records, the cumulative evidence is persuasive as there are no more plausible alternative explanations.

While there is a general consensus on the existence of the subculture, some scholars differ on the details. One dissenting voice, Judith Neuland, has argued at length that Hordes has fabricated a subculture out of his own beliefs.

As a non-professional historian, I cannot definitively say who is right. However, I believe Hordes presents a stronger argument. In any case, this is a fascinating book. Although Hordes' writing style may be somewhat pedestrian, his research is thorough, and the subject matter is engaging enough to draw the reader in.
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