Brazil to Honor Jewish Immigrants
JTA broke the news this week that Brazilian Vice President Jose Alencar signed a measure setting March 18 as “Jewish Immigration Day,” a day to honor all Jews who migrated to the country. The date was strategically chosen, as it coincides with the re-inauguration date in 2002 of the Brazilian synagogue Kahal Zur Israel, the very first Jewish synagogue in the Americas. They synagogue was founded in 1636 in Recife, Brazil during a short dutch rule in the Northeastern corner of Brazil. Although, built in 1732, the Mikve Israel-Emanuel synagogue in Curaçao is the oldest synagogue in the Americas still in use.
Alencar signed the measure on December 17, and then lit Chanukah candles with the local Jewish community. The ceremony in Brasilia was attended by several Jewish officials, including Israeli Ambassador Giora Becher and Israel’s Honorary Consul in Rio de Janeiro Osias Wurman.
Fun Fact: Brazil has the 2nd largest Jewish population in South America of 120,000, only less than Argentina.
And for those that don’t know, Brazil also has one of the richest music scenes in the world, here are a few of my favorite Brazilian jams for your enjoyment.
Gilberto Gil - Aquele Abraco Download
Os Mutantes -Bat Macumba Download
Caetano Veloso - Lost in the Paradise Download
Bonus: Cibelle ft. Devendra Banhart - London, London Download