Historical Society theories receive academic stamp of approval

“That’s a bunch of baloney” was the expected response to the theories proposed by the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society when they were published in Journal of Spanish, Portuguese and Italian Crypto Jews. “Instead, we received accolades from across the country. Even some Israeli academics are interested in our work!” said Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, Society president.

The Journal is a publication of the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies in collaboration with Florida International University. Its editor, FIU Professor of Sociology Dr. Abraham Lavender has been especially helpful and supportive...