Re: Sephardim from Holland

[Scott J Smith <smit...>]

> Despite the obvious call of Eretz Yisroel or the moderate Muslim
> communities of North Africa, many would have found the Netherlands closer
> geographically and perhaps culturally - in a non-Jewish sense, of course.
> I'm sure that the more "tolerant" Dutch world view (if it existed), along
> with a trade and seafaring economy like Spain's made the Netherlands
> attractive, Europe-wise, as well.

One other reason I heard for the Conversos to leave for Holland is that
emigration from Spanish dominion and to the new world was restricted for
those whose faith in Catholicism was questioned (read former Jews).
However, Holland was at one point under Spanish control, thereby
enabling emigration to there.  This was all the better for the Jews when
Holland regained its independence as they were able to be openly Jewish.

Scott Smith
smit (at) athena(dot)mit(dot)edu

------------------------------
End of Digest
************************