Reyna Simnegar: Her Family Hid Their Judaism for 500 Years

She grew up Catholic in Venezuela, never knowing Jews still existed, yet her family quietly lit candles, covered mirrors, and placed stones on graves. Centuries-old Jewish practices survived in her home without explanation, passed down in secret since the Spanish Inquisition. In this episode, Reyna Simnegar shares her extraordinary journey from Venezuela to Judaism: uncovering crypto-Jewish roots dating back over 500 years, discovering her family's hidden mesorah, living through political collapse under Chávez, and ultimately converting Orthodox and building a Jewish life and family. From Schindler's List to UCLA, from Taco Bell to Jerusalem, this is a powerful story of identity, faith, exile, and return. A rare, deeply personal conversation about Anusim, survival, and what it means to come home, even when it takes generations. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals Download the app and never pay full price again! _____________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka _____________________ ► Move to San Antonio - The Other Texas A growing Jewish community offering warmth, learning, affordability, and opportunity. Small-town feel, strong values, and a big future just outside Austin. _____________________ ► Givat Hashalva Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim. _____________________ ► Wruble & Co Exceptional legal service starts with a genuine personal connection. We deliver clear, efficient, results-driven legal counsel in Israeli real estate, always guided by the client's individual needs. Through transparency, care, and clarity, we support confident decision-making at every step. _____________________ ► Dream Raffle Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim! Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets! _____________________ ► Rothenberg Law Firm Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation _____________________ ► Town Appliance Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp

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Reyna Simnegar: Her Family Hid Their Judaism for 500 Years is an episode from Meaningful People by Meaningful Minute.

This episode is 01:22:33 long.

This episode was published on Jan 24, 2026.

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