ENGLISH CORNER, CON LINDA JIMÉNEZ – This week’s trivia question: Where is the oldest functioning Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere?

“Kulanu” means “all of us” in Hebrew. The organization was founded in 1994 to support isolated, emerging, and returning Jewish communities around the world. Through different activities they raise awareness and support to assist these groups with their desire to learn more about Judaism and connect with Jews beyond their community.

Bonita Sussman is a volunteer with Kulanu and serves as its Vice President. She is a graduate of Yeshiva University Stern College, has a Masters degree in religion from Columbia University, a second Masters in Jewish education from The Jewish Theological Seminary, and is an ordained rabbi through Aleph. For Kulanu, Bonita serves as liaison for newly emerging, returning and isolated Jewish communities around the globe. She has traveled widely in Asia, Africa and Latin America visiting these communities.

(NOTE: This is the first program in a three-part series about Crypto-Jews.  Parts two and three will be posted in the following weeks.)