Hidden Star: Faith, Family, Future

Discussion by Author, Ellie Gersten

Thursday, June 20 at 2PM (MST)

Estrella Schmitt, believed she had the perfect life. She was married to the man of her dreams, had the ideal job, and a loving family. Her world turned upside down when she went home to Pueblo, New Mexico, to say goodbye to her dying Abuelita (grandmother) whose last words to her favorite grandchild were Somos Judios, we are Jews. Estrella was left with a lot of questions and a chest full of mementos proving she was a descendant of Spanish Crypto Jews. Confused by this knowledge, she rummaged through the box and found audio tapes of her grandmother’s translation of an ancestor’s journal. The tapes described the harrowing experience her ancestors endured when they left for New Spain in 1597. They fled Spain to practice Judaism in peace, but the Inquisition followed them to the New World where they dared to observe their religion in secrecy. Fascinated by their story, Estrella recounts her family’s odyssey and their fate.

To register for the online book discussion, please fill out the form below and submit. When you register for the discussion, you will be immediately transferred to another page within our website. That page will have the online access instructions by June 19, 2024. Additionally, those who have registered will receive an email on June 19th providing them the online access.

Please note that this is a free event.  However, donations in support of our many arts and culture activities are always welcome. 

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122 E. Culver Street, Phoenix, Arizona

We are located right next to Burton Barr Phoenix Public Library. To find us, take 2nd Street south from McDowell.