With a place to call home in Lima for a few weeks we decided to indulge ourselves in a few things we haven’t gotten to do in quite some time. We’ve been watching movies (both on DVD and in the theater) , grocery shopping and cooking for ourselves, and lounging around relaxing for once. Since we’ve visited more churches than we can shake a stick we decided to try a temple for once.
There have been Jews in Latin America since Colombus arrived in 1492. In fact, the day Colombus left on his voyage was the same day the Spanish Inquisition began. Here in Lima is a Congress hall used for the Inquisition here in South America. Men in Cortez’s army were killed on account of their being Jews and with the ‘Spanish” last name of Tobias we believe that we are descendants of Jews who fled Spain as a result of the Inquisition. (and lets not forget what an awesome Salsa dancer I am…that must be in my blood)
So for all these reasons, but mostly just wanting to do something we hadn’t done in awhile, we went to Temple this past Friday night. The synagogue itself was rather difficult to locate (despite having the address in hand) as there were no markings on the outside whatsoever. We did find our way in, were welcomed with a familiar Shabbat Shalom, and found some seats.
The service itself was quick and not much unlike what we’re accustomed to from the USA. I think the biggest difference was hearing familiar Hebrew songs with a Spanish accent and struggling a bit to catch the language changes (from Spanish to Hebrew and back again) that are so obvious when the service is split between English and Hebrew.
Beyond that it was the same. Everyone tried to sit in the back, the kids sat with their friends and afterwards the families all congragated around to chat. It doesn´t matter where you are, some things are always the same.
Awlman Tobias says
What a great experience. Shabbat Shalom!