An engaging four week course on the Jewish history of Majorca.
Week 1: ‘Phoenix Rising’
Expose on the Modern Day Revival in Majorca. Learn about the Chuetas - Catholic descendants of the Jewish Conversos of the island - returning to their faith and becoming leaders amongst a diverse expat community, engaging in activities to reawaken the almost extinguished Jewish spirit.
Week 2: ‘Jewish Roots in Mallorquin Cuisine’
Dani and Carla Rotstein and Chef Toni Pinya (Pinjas ben Avraham) hear a discussion and interview with a Spanish speaking Chueta, the famous kosher chef Toni Pinya, as he shares the story of his return to his ancestor’s faith. This will be followed by a Q&A.
Week 3: ‘Escape to Majorca'
German Jewish Refugees in the 1930s on the Island - Dani Rotstein with Joan Perez in Spanish/English with local Historian and Documentary Filmmaker on the fascinating subject that is just now coming to light.
Week 4: ‘It’s in the Genes!
The Chuetas have remained in the island with a collective consciousness of its origin. The main characteristics that distinguish this group are the 15 surnames traditionally known in Mallorca as Chuetas and their high degree of inbreeding. We will speak to a professor of genealogy who has conducted an immersive study into the DNA of this subgroup population.
Dani is originally from New Jersey, USA and moved to the island of Mallorca in 2014. He discovered the taboo Jewish history of the Conversos or Chuetas of the island. He founded Limmud Mallorca and has run over 50 successful events promoting diversity and inclusion in the small yet growing Jewish community.
In 2018 he founded Jewish Majorca - a tourism company connecting the island's past with its present in hopes of building a brighter future. He believes that the revival of modern Jewish life in Spain can be a shining light to the rest of the world and that greater awareness and tolerance is possible in a place known for its centuries of repression.
Through our new online platform, JW3 is delighted to be able to bring you the very best international thinkers and teachers from around the world – Dani Rotstein will be joining us from Majorca.
