Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s Jewish community exemplifies resilience and renewal. Once numbering 250 members with a thriving Managua synagogue, the community was devastated during the civil war (1970-1987). The synagogue was torched, families fled to South Florida, and Jewish life nearly vanished. Yet an extraordinary revival has emerged, bridging hidden Jewish ancestry with contemporary practice.Today’s Congregación Israelita de Nicaragua (CIN) includes European Jewish refugees’ descendants and Bnei Anousim—those whose ancestors were forced to convert during the Spanish Inquisition. Many carried Jewish surnames and ancestral memories for generations, finally finding a path to reclaim their heritage. Through Kulanu’s partnership since 2012, this “extinct community born again” has transformed from aging remnants into a vibrant, multigenerational congregation.
Location
Managua, Granada, and Masaya
Denomination
Traditional/Orthodox observance
Community size
Approx 50-70 Members
Languages
Spanish and Hebrew liturgy
Kulanu Support Since
2012
Discover Nicaragua
Reclaiming Hidden Heritage
Families throughout Nicaragua carried Jewish surnames and ancestral memories without understanding their full significance. Many descended from Jewish men who married local women, creating generations of “Jewish enthusiasts” drawn to Jewish life but unable to fully participate. Under Carlos Peres’ teaching—a learned Jew of Converso descent—these families studied Judaism and prepared for eventual conversion.The community built their own mikvah, men underwent circumcisions, and families embraced Shabbat and kashrut. This wasn’t conversion for convenience, but deep spiritual hunger to formalize centuries-old connections. When Pablo, nearly 60 with serious medical conditions, chose circumcision “to live fully as a Jew,” it exemplified the community’s profound commitment to Jewish life.
Community Life and Spiritual Dynamics
Nicaragua’s Jewish community operates like an extended family, gathering in homes for services that blend formal liturgy with warm fellowship. The Preiss family home serves as synagogue and social center, where Veronica (Sara Ester) Preiss orchestrates celebrations and life-cycle events. Dr. Karen Bermudez provides medical care and pastoral support, embodying the community’s mutual responsibility.Religious life follows traditional patterns adapted locally. Services combine Hebrew liturgy with Spanish explanations, weekly Torah study happens under young Akiva Simcha’s guidance (a medical student with rabbinical aspirations), and holidays unite families from three cities. The community maintains its chevra kadisha and celebrates each lifecycle event with particular joy—each brit milah, wedding, and bar/bat mitzvah represents both individual milestones and community renewal.
Kulanu’s Transformative Partnership
Since 2012, Kulanu has catalyzed Nicaragua’s Jewish renaissance through carefully orchestrated conversion processes, welcoming 28 new Jews. The organization arranged Orthodox rabbinical courts to travel to Nicaragua twice, conducting thorough interviews and conversions followed by 24 Jewish weddings—remarkable celebrations where some grandparents experienced their first Jewish ceremony.Beyond conversions, Kulanu provided ritual objects, educational materials, and ongoing rabbinical guidance. The partnership enabled milestone moments like Nicaragua’s second-ever bat mitzvah and supported community participation in international events, including the Maccabiah games. Most significantly, Kulanu helped establish sustainable leadership and education programs ensuring continued growth.