Road Scholar : Home
Jewish Connections in New Mexico

Program Number: 19545RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Price starting at: $945.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Jewish Studies Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Explore the rich Jewish heritage of New Mexico, from its settlement by the conversos after the Spanish Inquisition to the double lives led as many returned to their Jewish faith in secret. Meet a female rabbi who works with unaffiliated Jews in Albuquerque and a well-known Ashkenazi artist who incorporates Hispanic, Native American and Jewish cultures into her art. Spend two nights in Santa Fe, attend a play that incorporates cultural connections and explore Santa Fe's Jewish history. You will have a very personal and unique experience.




Highlights

• Learn how converso/crypto-Jews settled in the northern part of New Mexico and how their traditions intertwined with those of many small communities.
• Enjoy the play “Parted Waters,” a dramatic portrayal of three generations of converso descendants dealing with secrecy of their lineage.
• Learn how Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews have integrated their lives with the larger New Mexico community.



Activity Particulars

Walking/standing up to an hour; boarding and disembarking coaches. Elevations of 5,300-7,200 feet.




Date Specific Information

9-29-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Albuquerque, 3 nights; coach to Santa Fe, 2 nights, coach to Albuquerque for departure.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Albuquerque

New Mexico's vast history, diversity, creativity, cuisine, beauty and art unite in this vibrant city, founded as a Spanish colonial outpost in 1706 and built in a traditional Spanish village configuration in which civic buildings surround a central plaza. “Old Town” is just one of New Mexico’s largest city’s many gems.
Accommodations
Convenient, comfortable hotels in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Norma Libman
Norma Libman is an independent journalist whose byline has appeared in hundreds of articles in newspapers nationwide. She has degrees in education and literature from Northeastern Illinois University, and has taught writing, literature and humanities courses in Illinois and New Mexico. She is the author of “The Memoir Writing Workbook,” and leads workshops at writers’ conferences. Norma has been a presenter in many cities nationwide on the subject of Conversos and Crypto Jews in the southwest.
 
Min Kantrowitz
Rabbi Min Kantrowitz was ordained in 2004. She is Director of the Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program of Jewish Family Service of New Mexico, which provides spiritual support and pastoral care services to thousands of unaffiliated Jews. Rabbi Kantrowitz also directs the Albuquerque Community Chevre Kaddisha, facilitates grief support groups and conducts Healing Groups for Jewish survivors of domestic abuse. She is the author of the recently published book, "Counting the Omer: A Kabbalistic Meditation Guide," which provides readers with a path through the 49 days of Counting the Omer, and includes exercises, kavvanot and activities for each of the days, according to the traditional pairings of the Sephirot. Rabbi Kantrowitz is a sought after speaker and teacher, having conducted services, workshops and lectures in Europe, California, Montana, Arizona, and across New Mexico. In 2006, she received the Jewish Federation of New Mexico’s “Woman of Valor” award in recognition of her “extraordinary efforts in sustaining and nurturing Jewish community life.”
 
Diana Bryer
Diana Bryer paints the people and rich history of Northern New Mexico from her studio in the Española Valley. Moving to northern New Mexico in 1977, she found her place in a traditional rural community where customs reflect the centuries-old life of the Spanish settlements in the region. One aspect that continues to intrigue her are the people of Jewish descent whose ancestors fled the Spanish Inquisition to settle in the area and who retain elements of Judaism in their religion today.
 
Marcus Gottschalk
Marcus Charles Gottschalk is an expert on the history of Las Vegas, N.M. Relatively unknown to most, Las Vegas was the Southwest’s most important commercial center for nearly 30 years in the late 19th century. Gottschalk, a multi-color renovation painter of historic buildings, stumbled across this gap in America’s past and has since been researching and writing about the city’s amazing legacy since 1996. Gottschalk has been a resident of New Mexico for more than 20 years.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   MCM Elegante Hotel
  Albuquerque 3 nights
   The Lodge at Santa Fe
  Santa Fe, New Mexico 2 nights
 MCM Elegante Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Large hotel with mid-town location and free parking.
  Contact info: 2020 Menaul NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107 USA
phone: 505-884-2511
web: www.mcmelegantealbuquerque.com
  Room amenities: Data ports, irons, ironing boards, hairdryers, refrigerators upon request.
  Facility amenities: Heated pool, spa and exercise room, restaurant and lounge on premises.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: best seasonal rate Arrange for pre and post hotel nights directly with hotel at (505) 884-2511.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 The Lodge at Santa Fe
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: This full-service hotel is one and one-quarter mile from the historic downtown Plaza and within an easy walk of a large mall with drugstore and grocery store. There is a shuttle that travels back and forth to the downtown area from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. The hotel sits on a hill overlooking Santa Fe with great views and many amenities and it is a non-smoking facility. It features Santa Fe-style decor and furnishings, and the staff is friendly and very accommodating.
  Contact info: 750 N. St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87501 USA
phone: 888-740-3291
web: http://www.lodgeatsantafe.com
  Room amenities: Rooms are furnished and decorated with comfortable Southwest-style. Amenities include premium television channels, climate control, air conditioning, voice mail, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, daily housekeeping, clock radios and more.
  Facility amenities: Non-smoking hotel, elevator, chapel/shrine, business center, fitness center/spa, outdoor seasonal swimming pool and hot tub, Los Cuates restaurant on premises, bar, garden, massage services, free Internet, 24-hour front desk, free parking.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Road Scholar room rate Contact Charmain Archuleta at the hotel (505-992-5810 or carchuleta@hhandr.com) well in advance to reserve additional nights; please tell her that you are with a Road Scholar program that will begin on (the date your program starts). The Road Scholar room rate (housing only; meals are not included in the Road Scholar room rate) will be offered for three nights pre- and post-program.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check into hotel between 3:00 and 5:30 PM on first day of program; register with group leader between 4:00 and 5:30 PM in hotel lobby You will be staying at MCM Elegante Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after lunch on final day of program (around 1:00 PM) You will be staying at The Lodge at Santa Fe the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. none required
  Parking availability:
Parking is free at the hotel
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Albuquerque
  Nearest highway: I-25 and I-40
  Nearest airport:  Albuquerque International Sunport
  From End of Program
  Location: Albuquerque
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Albuquerque

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
MCM Elegante Hotel Shuttle
phone: 505-884-2511

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

hotel shuttle is free
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

5 miles
   

Call the hotel upon your arrival at Albuquerque Sunport courtesy phone at the baggage claim kiosk that dials directly to the hotel at 884-2511 to let them know that you need to be picked up for transport to the hotel. Call the hotel from the Amtrak Station and they'll send a shuttle to pick you up.

You may also take a taxi to the hotel if you wish. Taxi fares may be shared.
 

Albuquerque

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
MCM Elegante Hotel Shuttle
phone: 505-884-2511

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

hotel shuttle is free
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

5 miles
   

Call the hotel upon your arrival at the Amtrak Station and they'll send a shuttle to pick you up.

You may also take a taxi to the hotel if you wish. Taxi fares may be shared.

 

Albuquerque

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
MCM Elegante Hotel Shuttle
phone: 505-884-2511

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

hotel shuttle is free
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

5 miles
   

It is a good idea to let the hotel's front desk staff know the evening before your departure that you'll need a shuttle to the airport. They can let you know what time the shuttle will depart in order for you to catch your flight.
 

Albuquerque

 

To Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
MCM Elegante Hotel Shuttle
phone: 505-884-2511

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

hotel shuttle is free
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

5 miles
   

It is a good idea to let the hotel's front desk staff know the evening before your departure that you'll need a shuttle to the Amtrak train station. They can let you know what time the shuttle will depart in order for you to catch your train.
 
Driving Directions
  From Albuquerque International Sunport The airport is located on the south end of Albuquerque. Exit the airport west onto Sunport Boulevard, which will take you to Interstate 25. Take the entry ramp onto Interstate 25 and travel north to Exit 225 (Lomas). Continue driving north on the frontage road to Menaul Blvd. where you'll make a right turn. You'll see the hotel on the right-hand side of Menaul, just past the first intersection (at University.)
  From Interstate 25 Interstate 25 runs north and south through the middle of Albuquerque, where it crosses Interstate 40. From the north, take Exit 227 (Comanche, Candelaria, Menaul). Drive south along the frontage road until you reach Menaul (the third major intersection). Turn left on Menaul. Just after the first major intersection, with University Blvd., you'll see the hotel on the right. From the south, take Exit 225 (Lomas). Continue driving north along the frontage road until you reach Menaul. Turn right on Menaul and, just after the first major intersection (University), you'll see the hotel on the right.
  From Interstate 40 Interstate 40 runs east and west through the middle of Albuquerque. Near the center of town, it crosses Interstate 25. From the east, take Exit 159-D (University Blvd.) to the first light, which is Menaul. Turn right on Menaul and you'll see the hotel on the right, just past the intersection. From the west, take Exit 159-A (University Blvd.). Continue east along the frontage road until you reach University; turn left on University. Take a right at the second light, on Menaul, and you'll see the hotel on the right, just past the intersection.
Elevation Note: Elevations will range from 5,300' to 7,200' above sea level.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Check-in, Registration & Orientation, Introductions & Getting to Know You
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: You may check into the MCM Elegante Hotel any time between 3:00-5:30pm.

After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby (between 4:00-5:30pm) to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet that will contain the up to date schedule we'll review during orientation.

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of any changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

 Dinner: We'll have dinner at the hotel from 6:00-7:00pm. Enjoy this opportunity to begin getting acquainted with your fellow participants.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: We’ll gather in our meeting room from 7:00-8:30pm for an informative overview of the program to come plus an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants during an introductory get-acquainted session. We’ll review the updated schedule, answer any questions you may have, and cover responsibilities, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures. The remainder of the evening is yours to begin getting to know one another. (If you arrive late, please pick up your packet at the hotel front desk.)

This new program extends the study begun in our popular program 11007, “New Mexico’s Conversos and Crypto Jews.” We’ll explore connections formed by Conversos with Native Americans — also forced into Catholicism by the Spaniards — and later with Ashkenazic Jews who came to the state when the railroads opened New Mexico in the 1800s. We’ll also examine connections between the Penitentes who came to the state around 1630, other Eastern religions, and early settlers. Field trips feature sites with special significance for the development of Jewish history in New Mexico.
   
Accommodations: MCM Elegante Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Crypto Jewish History in New Mexico, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Old Town Albuquerque, Conversos in the Larger New Mexico Community
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room is available from 7:00-8:00am
 Morning: Classes and discussions are generally from 8:30am-12:15pm with short breaks.

PRESENTATION: Conversos in the Larger New Mexico Community.

You'll learn how Jews came to New Mexico in the 1500s. Fleeing the Inquisition in Europe, they hid their religious beliefs under the guise of Catholicism, brought by the Spaniards and Mexicans as they conquered the Native Americans in Pueblos of the Southwest.

 Lunch: Hotel dining room.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP (departure 1:30pm): Jewish aspects of the city of Albuquerque. Old Town was established in 1706. When “late” arriving Ashkenazic Jews opened shops there, it was the center of the community for many years. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is owned and operated as a non-profit organization by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico, where we’ll begin an exploration of Native American culture and its ties to the Converso-Crypto Jews. About a mile northeast of Old Town, this museum — modeled after Pueblo Bonito, a spectacular 9th-century ruin in Chaco Culture National Historic Park — has some remarkable exhibits. The bus will return to the hotel at approximately 4:30pm.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room
 Evening: PRESENTATION: New Mexico's Jewish and Native American People.
   
Accommodations: MCM Elegante Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Rabbi Min Kantrowitz and Ashkenazim History in New Mexico, Jewish Community Center, New Mexico Holocaust and Intolerance Museum
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel from 7:00-8:00am.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Ashkenazim History in New Mexico discussion with Rabbi Min Kantrowitz, Director of the Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program of Jewish Family Service of New Mexico. She is a sought after speaker and teacher, conducting services, workshops, and lectures in Europe, California, Montana, Arizona, and across New Mexico. Rabbi Kantrowitz is also the author of the recently published book, “Counting the Omer: A Kabbalistic Meditation Guide,” designed to help people understand the in-depth meaning of each of the forty-nine days between Pesach (Passover) and the Shavuot celebration of the revealing of the Torah.

PRESENTATION: Lecture and discussion with a University of New Mexico professor who will present the many connections other religious groups in New Mexico have with New Mexico Jews. These groups include Christians; people affiliated with Eastern religions; the Penitentes, a secret society that came to New Mexico around 1630, who carried scourges made of leather thongs with which they lashed themselves, begging God to forgive their sins; and others. There are many kinds of "crossovers" from Jewish to Christian and vice versa. You'll see how the Jews fit into the big picture of New Mexico history, primarily with early settlers and then on into the present.

 Lunch: To savor the local flavor, we’ll dine at a popular restaurant (bus departs at 12:30pm).
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: We begin our afternoon at the Jewish Community Center in Albuquerque, which has a significant connection to the development of the religious life of New Mexico. The Ronald Gardenswartz Jewish Community Center serves as a focal point for all those who seek a Jewish experience with a variety of social, cultural, recreational and educational programs and services.

We’ll also visit a synagogue before moving on to the New Mexico Holocaust and Intolerance Museum. This unique institution educates people about the Holocaust as well other genocides that have affected people around the world, unlimited by religion, culture, geographic area, or time. For example, exhibitions cover events related to Native Americans including Bosque del Redondo and Wounded Knee.

The bus will return to the hotel at approximately 5:00pm.

 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel from 6:00-7:00pm.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Enjoy the hotel’s facilities, explore on your own, or simply relax and prepare for tomorrow's early check-out and bus transfer to Las Vegas, NM and Santa Fe, NM.
   
Accommodations: MCM Elegante Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Las Vegas NM & Historic Jewish Sites, Ashkenazic Settlers, Guided Driving Exploration of Santa Fe and the Plaza, Staab House Dinner
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Be sure to check-out no later than 8:00am so that we can depart on time.
 Morning: TRANSFER: Bus departs for Las Vegas, NM (two hours from Albuquerque) at 8:30 AM.

FIELD TRIP: Aboard our bus, a local guide will join us to point out many of the interesting Jewish-related sites in Las Vegas — developed in large part by Ashkenazim who came to the town via the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in the 1800s.

You will see the current home of the first Jewish house of worship in the Territory of New Mexico, Temple Montefiore, dedicated in 1884; the Masonic Cemetery, where many Jews were buried; and business established by these early Jews. For the most part, none of the Ashkenazim knew anything at all about the Jewish history that had gone on in New Mexico since the 1500s.

 Lunch: We’ll have lunch at the historic Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas from Noon until about 1:15pm.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: A Las Vegas historian will discuss the Ashkenazic Jewish population of the city in the 1800s and early 1900s, their contributions, and their influence.

Bus will depart for Santa Fe for a guiding driving and walking exploration.

 Dinner: Dinner will be in the Staab House restaurant on the grounds of the historic La Posada Hotel, a luxury resort set on six acres of beautifully landscaped grounds near downtown Santa Fe. The Staab House, a Victorian mansion, was built by an old Santa Fe Trail merchant. The restaurant itself is cozy and casual; we'll have several menu choices for you including dessert.
 Evening: After dinner, the bus will take you to the overnight hotel for check-in. Because it's been such a busy day you'll have the evening to relax.
   
Accommodations: The Lodge at Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Jewish Connections in Santa Fe, Visit to Artist Diana Bryer's Studio, Free Afternoon, Evening Performance
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel from 7:30-8:30am.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: We’ll gather in our hotel meeting room where our instructor will discuss Jewish and Hispanic writers in New Mexico.

Visit home and studio of artist Diana Bryer, whose work frequently deals with the heritage of the people of Jewish descent whose ancestors fled the Spanish Inquisition.

As time allows, visit other sites in Chimayo and Espanola.

Bus departs for Santa Fe at 1:00 PM.

 Lunch: Lunch will be on your own in the downtown Santa Fe area. There are many good restaurants to try; your group leader will be happy to give you some ideas and suggestions.
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Explore downtown Santa Fe on your own. You'll receive tickets to the New Mexico History Museum, the Palace of the Governors Museum, and the New Mexico Fine Arts Museum, all in the downtown area.

In addition to museums, there are numerous art galleries and significant landmarks in the area.

At 4:00PM, meet your group leader at the designated spot to return to the hotel by bus.

 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel from 5:30-6:30pm.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: At 6:45pm, our bus will depart for a special performance, staged especially for our group, of Robert Benjamin's contemporary play, "Parted Waters." Set in New Mexico, the play brings to life three generations of Hispanics dealing with the knowledge and secrets of their lineage.
   
Accommodations: The Lodge at Santa Fe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Return to Albuquerque, Wrap-up Discussion, Klezmer Performance, Program Concludes
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Please be sure you have completed hotel check-out by 8:00am so that we can depart on time.
 Morning: TRANSFER: We depart for Albuquerque by bus at 9:00am, arriving at the hotel at approximately 10:00am. You may store your luggage at the front desk until your departure time.

WRAP-UP: We’ll gather in our meeting room in the hotel for a program wrap-up from 10:30-11:15am with an opportunity to share you impressions and how the experience may have changed your perspectives.

PERFORMANCE: For a rousing finale, enjoy a performance by an Ashkenazim Klezmer band, followed by program closing with your group leader.

 Lunch: The program concludes with lunch at the hotel from 12:00-1:00pm followed by independent departures.

We trust you have enjoyed this new program and will join us again for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Dictionary of New Mexico and Southern Colorado Spanish


Author: Cobos, Ruben


A History of the Jews in New Mexico


Author: Tobias, Henry


Hidden Heritage: The Legacy of the Crypto-Jews


Author: Jacobs, Janet Liebman


Jewish Albuquerque 1860-1960


Author: Sandweiss, Naomi.


Jews in New Mexico Since World War II


Author: Tobias, Henry


Jews in Places You Never Thought Of


Author: Primack, Karen (ed.)


Juggling Identities: Identity and Authenticity Among the Crypto-Jews


Author: Kunin, Seth D.


My Penitente Land


Author: Chavez, Fray Angelico


Pioneer Jews: A New Life in the Far West


Author: Rochlin, Harriet and Fred


Secrecy and Deceit: The Religion of the Secret Jews


Author: Gitlitz, David M.


The Marrano Legacy: A Contemporary Crypto-Jewish Priest Reveals Secrets of his Double Life


Author: Alexy, Trudi


The Mezuzah in the Madonna's Foot


Author: Alexy, Trudi


To the End of the Earth: A History of the Crypto Jews of New Mexico


Author: Hordes, Stanley M.




You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768