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May 25, 2013 /16 Sivan, 5773
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The Tosfos Yomtov was convinced that the death of 300,000 –600,000 Jews during the Chmielnicki massacres of 1648-49 were because of improper Tefila. Communicated: Tefilla

Chillul Tefila Bifarhesia, as well as halachicly challenged verbiage and dress, are external manifestations of a critical lack of personal yiras shomayim which has lethal consequences.



Rabbi to Work with Descendants of Forced Converts in Italy

By: JTA
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Rabbi Pinchas Punturello will begin work in southern Italy and Sicily to reach out to the Bnei Anousim, the descendants of Jews forced to convert to Catholicism centuries ago.

Punturello’s posting is a joint project of Shavei Israel, an Israel-based nonprofit that helps strengthen and recover Jewish identity, and the Union of Italian Jewish Communities. It marks the first time that a rabbi has been appointed to work specifically with the Bnei Anousim of southern Italy and Sicily.

Punturello, 36, a Naples native, served as the rabbi of its Jewish community from 2004 to 2010, and was the small congregations activities coordinator for the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities, or UCEI, the official umbrella organization of Italian Jewry.

In the role, Punturello will collaborate with Rabbi Scialom Bahbout, the chief rabbi of Naples and southern Italy, who has initiated a number of programs aimed at Jews in the south seeking to recover their identity.

Punturello, who lives in Jerusalem, is expected to spend about half of each month in Italy.

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  1. This is really not correct. Rabbi Barbara Aiello, herself a descendent of Anoudim, had served the Anoudim in Southern Italy for 10 years. She has established a synagogue and community and support from Americans and others.

  2. This is really not correct. Rabbi Barbara Aiello, herself a descendent of Anoudim, had served the Anoudim in Southern Italy for 10 years. She has established a synagogue and community and support from Americans and others.

  3. Anya Khan says:

    See the movie Torn about a Catholic Priest who is a Jew.

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