# Reyna Simnegar: Her Family Hid Their Judaism for 500 Years

From **Meaningful People** by Meaningful Minute.

- **Published:** Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:30:00 +0000
- **Duration:** 01:22:33
- **Audio:** https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/meaningfulpeoplepodcast/Meaningful_People_236._Reyna_Simnegar.mp3?dest-id=1900811
- **Page:** <![CDATA[https://meaningfulpeoplepodcast.libsyn.com/reyna-simnegar-her-family-hid-their-judaism-for-500-years]]>
- **TorahApp:** https://torahapp.org/share/p/3P_meaningful-people/e/%3C!%5BCDATA%5B6abf588e-8c90-43d4-9521-a83fab05076c%5D%5D%3E

<![CDATA[<p dir="ltr">She grew up Catholic in Venezuela, never knowing Jews still existed, yet her family quietly lit candles, covered mirrors, and placed stones on graves. Centuries-old Jewish practices survived in her home without explanation, passed down in secret since the Spanish Inquisition.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode, Reyna Simnegar shares her extraordinary journey from Venezuela to Judaism: uncovering crypto-Jewish roots dating back over 500 years, discovering her family's hidden mesorah, living through political collapse under Chávez, and ultimately converting Orthodox and building a Jewish life and family. From Schindler's List to UCLA, from Taco Bell to Jerusalem, this is a powerful story of identity, faith, exile, and return.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">A rare, deeply personal conversation about Anusim, survival, and what it means to come home, even when it takes generations.</p> <p><strong><br /> <br /></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:</p> <p><strong><br /> <br /></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">► PZ Deals</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Download the app and never pay full price again!</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp">https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp<br />  <br /></a> _____________________</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">► Colel Chabad Pushka App</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The easiest way to give Tzedaka</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">_____________________</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">► Move to San Antonio - The Other Texas</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">A growing Jewish community offering warmth, learning, affordability, and opportunity. Small-town feel, strong values, and a big future just outside Austin.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">https://www.rodfeisholom.com/movetosa</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">_____________________</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">► Givat Hashalva</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">_____________________</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">► Wruble & Co</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Exceptional legal service starts with a genuine personal connection. We deliver clear, efficient, results-driven legal counsel in Israeli real estate, always guided by the client's individual needs. Through transparency, care, and clarity, we support confident decision-making at every step.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://www.wrublelaw.co.il/">https://www.wrublelaw.co.il/</a></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">_____________________</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">► Dream Raffle</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim! </p> <p dir="ltr">Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">https://thedreamraffle.com/ </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">_____________________</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">► Rothenberg Law Firm</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!</p> <p dir="ltr">Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">https://shorturl.at/JFKHH</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">_____________________</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">► Town Appliance </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">https://www.townappliance.com </p> <p dir="ltr">https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp </p> <p> </p>]]>