Spain to Sephardic Jews: Please Return

Map from Sephardic Women's Seminary

According to a story in today's online editions of the BBC, Spanish government authorities have encouraged Sephardic Jews to return to Espana. The news seems incredible. Over the centuries, Spain's relentless, officially sanctioned anti-Semitism drove Jews out of Spain, hideously murdered thousands in the name of religious purity, and publicly demonized Jewish religious practices. What a difference a millenium makes, eh?

The BBC report notes how some Sephards or possible Sephards found Madrid's current initiative an exciting event. Considerable efforts have been made for people to establish appropriate Sephardic credentials, and thus qualify for Spanish citizenship. The article also observed the difficulties some have experienced in establishing their Sephardic Jewish heritage. All in all, it seems like a profound amount of work and psychological adjustment to "return" to Spain. How many will resettle in the land of their Sephardic ancestors? Hard to believe the number will be a large one. However, the Spanish government's gesture is the right one to make, even if it is more rhetorical than practical. We have to start someplace.

School Funding Crisis Drives One Spanish Town's Housewives to "Desperate" Measures

An image from the "Desperate Housewives"/Spain calendar
(photo: El Pais/Madrid)

Americans who are complaining about the funding levels in their public schools should take a look at Spain. The Iberian country is going through its own economic crisis, largely due to its American-style housing disaster.

Here's a cautionary, and funny, tale resulting from this financial disaster. One village near Valencia just doesn't have enough money to support transportation to the local school. What's a devoted parent to do?

In this case, the moms decided to create a calendar in which each month showed a photograph of a local woman in lingerie. The French newspaper Le Monde has dubbed this initiative "Desperate Housewives." Will this unique fund raiser will be successful? Who knows, but it has gotten the world's attention.

Do you think your local PTO will embrace this money-making idea? Should be some rockin' Board of Ed meetings in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave in the coming years.