Discovering Brazil’s Jewish Roots

This past July, a group of 60 young professionals from across Brazil, aged 20 -30, travelled through Southern cities in Brazil as well as parts of Argentina, the focus being on learning of the history of Jewish communities who settled in these regions and strengthening their Jewish identities.

Led by Rabbis David and Berel Weitman and Daniel Ashkenazi, the intent of the trip was inspire Brazilian Jewish youth to spread Judaism within their own communities by making them aware of Judaism’s rich history and culture.

The group travelled to Passo Fundo, Quatro Irmaos and Erechim. These cities, situated in the south of Brazil, were the first Jewish communities established in South America through the patronage of Baron Hirsch. There, the group had the opportunity to meet members of the local Jewish communities and to be moved by their commitment to keeping their Judaism alive and meaningful in these remote locations.

The group then stayed for 2 days at Foz de Iguacu, the magnificent waterfall bordering Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, where they enjoyed touring the splendid locale.

From there, they travelled to Buenos Aires, Argentina. They visited the AMIA, the local Holocaust Museum and met with Rabbis Yoel Migdal and Shlomo Levy who spoke about their involvement with the Jewish communities in Buenos Aires.

The young professionals were truly inspired by their experience and have already requested a second such tour.