Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies
Announces 35th Annual Conference in Los Angeles
August 10-12, 2025
Contact: Conference Chair Dr. Elisheva Irma Diaz elishevairmadiaz@gmail.com
The 35th annual conference of the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies titled “Identities and Experiences: Navigating the Crypto-Jewish Journey” will be held from Sunday, August 10 through Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. The event offers a rich and diverse experience with a blend of academic presentations, cultural events, and networking opportunities, designed for both scholars and enthusiasts of crypto-Judaic history and traditions.
Conference sessions as well as meals and evening events will take place at the historic Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel. Accommodations for out-of-town registrants are offered at the nearby Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles-Beverly Hills; hotel reservations are now available via the direct link on the SCJS website, https://cryptojews.com
Key highlights of the event include a special film presentation by past SCJS president, renowned genealogist, author, and researcher Genie Milgrom. Between the Stone and the Flower (her own life story) offers an immersive cultural experience that sheds light on the history and identity of crypto-Jews. The Monday night Judy Frankel Memorial Concert features a debut preview of an original contemporary folk-opera titled La Señora based on the life of Dona Gracia Nasi, a leading 16th century Sephardic Jewish businesswoman and philanthropist, and savior of hundreds of conversos, composed and directed by noted LA composer Dr. Michelle Green Willner. The annual Martin Sosin-Petit Address to Advance Scholarship in the Crypto-Judaic Arts takes place on Monday noon, and honors El Paso photographer and community leader Peter Svarzbein whose work focuses on art, advocacy and community. Optional pre-conference events include a Sunday morning film by Isaac Artenstein (The Long Journey) and a mid-day genealogical workshop.
Dr. Seth D. Kunin, renowned Professor Emeritus of Curtin University and author of Juggling Identities: Identity and Authenticity among the Crypto-Jews will give the Stanley M. Hordes Distinguished Scholar Lecture. The conference will provide a meaningful educational platform with in-depth discussions, panels and individual presentations, deepening the understanding of the research and contributions in crypto-Judaic studies worldwide. Registration opens February 15, 2025.
Since its founding in 1991, the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies has established itself as the preeminent association dedicated to fostering research in the historical and contemporary development of Sephardic crypto-Jews. Membership is open to all and includes a subscription to our biannual publication HaLapid. With thanks in part to the Institute for Tolerance, Santa Fe, New Mexico
