By: Deborah Erdman and Michelle Heyman
In order to instill knowledge of the origins, traditions and roots of Judaism in members of the young Brazilian Jewish community, the Alicerces’s Project was founded in 2008, with the first group traveling in 2009 to 7 Eastern European countries.
Over the years the project has grown, and groups of young adults have explored the history of the Jews in the Mediterranean countries, and then the countries of Central Europe.
Prior to the trip, the students dedicate 10 months to learning about the countries they will visit, culminating in the trip.
Founded by Shliach Rabbi Dovid Weitman, “Projeto Alicerces” is a learning program instilling Jewish pride and identity in these young students, thereby creating young Jewish leaders.
“Alicerces’s – Brazil” held its trip in July of this year, and a trip is scheduled in January for “Alicerces’s Teens” group, for teens between 15 and 17 years old. In September the “Alicerces I – Eastern Europe” program for young people 18-25 years, begins as well.
This year’s trip “Alicerces – Brazil” explored the early history of the Jews in the country, since the arrival of the Portuguese in 1500, at Bahia.
In Recife, especially at the time of Dutch rule, the Jews enjoyed great autonomy and religious freedom, a period in which the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Brazil was in the Inquisition, with numerous courts instituted. Most ‘new-christians’ had a valiant and combative spirit, and fought to preserve their Jewish origins and customs.
The group of 50 university students, who live in major cities in Brazil, had the experience of reliving history in locations where the first Jewish Brazilians lived. The group visited the first synagogue in the Americas, “Kahal Zur Israel,” and seeing that it still exists was a testatment to the fact that Jewish identity lives on forever.
The group experienced a series of emotional days, culminating in visits to the Governor of Pernanbuco, Joao Lyra Neto, where they recalled the 360 years of the dissolution of the Jewish community of Recife, and Governor Jaques Wagner. Goveror Wagner, who is also Jewish, received them warmly, recalling the 370 years since the death of young Isaac de Castro, deported from Bahia to fall prey to the courts of the Inquisition in Lisbon and burned alive.
The socializing of the young adults in the group is an integral part of the program. They return to their homes with friends throughout Brazil, with fortified “Alicerces” (foundations) and increased awareness of the Jewish people and their individual and communal responsibilities.
The preparation for the trip is complex, as it involves a preliminary study on the Jewish communities to be visited. The students learn in classes and seminars, then immerse themselves in the Jewish experience at the locations. For Jewish communities with small numbers of participants in the program, they join via video lectures.
However, it is precisely this aspect that makes the program unique, and with a deeper purpose: It is not merely a trip, rather it serves to prepare participants for a prominent role in their communities, so they too can share the knowlege they acquired.
“Each youngster has a history, a family, a home,” says Rabbi Weitman. “By bringing together all these variables, they encounter an enriching experience with fun and excitement. Even with different backgrounds and personalities, there is an unquestionable link. Although the participants are young, they are already concerned about their communal responsibilities and the fact that they must serve as ambassadors of the Jewish traditions.
“In a world where ethical and moral values are increasingly trivialized, there is an even greater need for the youth to have an awareness of our ancient past in order to build a solid present and a future,” he said.
Love the colorful colonial town and cobblestone streets. What’s the name of that town? Would love to visit a place that looks like that AND has Jewish history!
I loved experience!! I live here but it was the first the that I travelled to know more about our history! I made new friends, and learned more about ours roots!!! I recommend each jew do the same, for discovery more about us.
VERY MOVING!
Never knew brazil has such nice places to visit…
Love it!!
It`s so amazing to see projects like these, so successful in the community, that’s what I call a person with vision.
Yasher Koach Rabbi Dovid Weitman, a devoted Shliach with a brilliant mind!!!
Papito kol Hakavod
Great work Berel!!