"A matter of proof ......."

For those who are trying to find 'proof' of a Jewish past in Portugal ;
This was taken off the Genealogy Forum at Lusaweb. I am removing the names in respect of privacy
but thought it may help explain why it is so difficult to prove our crypto past- this was a reply to a query - how to research your past /heritage/ ancestors-

"The second method would be to research the "Role dos Confessados" which was sort of a census that the Catholic Church required of every parish. These census, which I believe started around 1710, were taken every year. The priest had to list every person old enough to take communion, and their relationship to the head of household such as wife, children, relatives, servants or others. Often, the priest would also mention the exact location of the household, information which can be very useful when tracking the movements of the family."
and -
"As far as I know, the census records are kept at each parish. When I researched my ancestors, I requested permission from the local priests to review the books myself - - -.
- - -unless you can find someone locally to research the records for you, or you visit the parishes yourself, the priest will not obtain the information for you. I must add that sometimes the records can be so damaged as to be nearly illegible. Other times, they have disappeared, and sometimes the priests are not amenable to letting you touch the books. It really depends on the priest. However, when the stars are aligned in one's favor, these records are a great boon for the genealogist."

and from a friend who is herself trying to research her roots on reading this posting ;

"Would you believe that as of the 1960's, this was still done in Massachusetts where we used to live?!!! The priests would come to OUR house, the nuns also, on a regular basis, taking census! I remember it quite well. It was interesting to read this account, because it really gives me a clearer perspective of just what was going on then."

Maybe this will help to explain why it is virtually impossible to discover our Jewish roots.

Rufina Bernardetti Silva Mausenbaum
April, 1999 copyright

E-mail: Rufina Bernardetti Silva Mausenbaum