Charles Garcia and Special to CNN
Updated 2:32 PM EDT, Thu May 24, 2012
CNN 2012 —
Today marks the 508th anniversary of the death of Christopher Columbus.
Everybody knows the story of Columbus, right? He was an Italian explorer from Genoa who set sail in 1492 to enrich the Spanish monarchs with gold and spices from the orient. Not quite.
For too long, scholars have ignored Columbus’ grand passion: the quest to liberate Jerusalem from the Muslims.
During Columbus’ lifetime, Jews became the target of fanatical religious persecution. On March 31, 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella proclaimed that all Jews were to be expelled from Spain. The edict especially targeted the 800,000 Jews who had never converted, and gave them four months to pack up and get out.
The Jews who were forced to renounce Judaism and embrace Catholicism were known as “Conversos,” or converts. There were also those who feigned conversion, practicing Catholicism outwardly while covertly practicing Judaism, the so-called “Marranos,” or swine.
Tens of thousands of Marranos were tortured by the Spanish Inquisition. They were pressured to offer names of friends and family members, who were ultimately paraded in front of crowds, tied to stakes and burned alive. Their land and personal possessions were then divvied up by the church and crown.
Recently, a number of Spanish scholars, such as Jose Erugo, Celso Garcia de la Riega, Otero Sanchez and Nicholas Dias Perez, have concluded that Columbus was a Marrano, whose survival depended upon the suppression of all evidence of his Jewish background in face of the brutal, systematic ethnic cleansing.
Columbus, who was known in Spain as Cristóbal Colón and didn’t speak Italian, signed his last will and testament on May 19, 1506, and made five curious – and revealing – provisions.
Two of his wishes – tithe one-tenth of his income to the poor and provide an anonymous dowry for poor girls – are part of Jewish customs. He also decreed to give money to a Jew who lived at the entrance of the Lisbon Jewish Quarter.
On those documents, Columbus used a triangular signature of dots and letters that resembled inscriptions found on gravestones of Jewish cemeteries in Spain. He ordered his heirs to use the signature in perpetuity.
According to British historian Cecil Roth’s “The History of the Marranos,” the anagram was a cryptic substitute for the Kaddish, a prayer recited in the synagogue by mourners after the death of a close relative. Thus, Columbus’ subterfuge allowed his sons to say Kaddish for their crypto-Jewish father when he died. Finally, Columbus left money to support the crusade he hoped his successors would take up to liberate the Holy Land.
Estelle Irizarry, a linguistics professor at Georgetown University, has analyzed the language and syntax of hundreds of handwritten letters, diaries and documents of Columbus and concluded that the explorer’s primary written and spoken language was Castilian Spanish. Irizarry explains that 15th-century Castilian Spanish was the “Yiddish” of Spanish Jewry, known as “Ladino.” At the top left-hand corner of all but one of the 13 letters written by Columbus to his son Diego contained the handwritten Hebrew letters bet-hei, meaning b’ezrat Hashem (with God’s help). Observant Jews have for centuries customarily added this blessing to their letters. No letters to outsiders bear this mark, and the one letter to Diego in which this was omitted was one meant for King Ferdinand.
In Simon Weisenthal’s book, “Sails of Hope,” he argues that Columbus’ voyage was motivated by a desire to find a safe haven for the Jews in light of their expulsion from Spain. Likewise, Carol Delaney, a cultural anthropologist at Stanford University, concludes that Columbus was a deeply religious man whose purpose was to sail to Asia to obtain gold in order to finance a crusade to take back Jerusalem and rebuild the Jews’ holy Temple.
In Columbus’ day, Jews widely believed that Jerusalem had to be liberated and the Temple rebuilt for the Messiah to come.
Scholars point to the date on which Columbus set sail as further evidence of his true motives. He was originally going to sail on August 2, 1492, a day that happened to coincide with the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av, marking the destruction of the First and Second Holy Temples of Jerusalem. Columbus postponed this original sail date by one day to avoid embarking on the holiday, which would have been considered by Jews to be an unlucky day to set sail. (Coincidentally or significantly, the day he set forth was the very day that Jews were, by law, given the choice of converting, leaving Spain, or being killed.)
Columbus’ voyage was not, as is commonly believed, funded by the deep pockets of Queen Isabella, but rather by two Jewish Conversos and another prominent Jew. Louis de Santangel and Gabriel Sanchez advanced an interest free loan of 17,000 ducats from their own pockets to help pay for the voyage, as did Don Isaac Abrabanel, rabbi and Jewish statesman.
Indeed, the first two letters Columbus sent back from his journey were not to Ferdinand and Isabella, but to Santangel and Sanchez, thanking them for their support and telling them what he had found.
The evidence seem to bear out a far more complicated picture of the man for whom our nation now celebrates a national holiday and has named its capital.
As we witness bloodshed the world over in the name of religious freedom, it is valuable to take another look at the man who sailed the seas in search of such freedoms – landing in a place that would eventually come to hold such an ideal at its very core.
End of Article
Interesting Points of Consideration
1. Christopher Columbus was believed to have been of both Jewish and Italian descent. Born in Genoa, Italy, his roots actually were from Spain.
2. His paternal grandfather was a converso who had his name changed from Colon to Columbo.
3. Coversos were Jews who had, by choice or necessity, converted to Christianity.
4. To survive Jewish annihilation during the Spanish Inquisition, Columbus was raised a Christian.
5. His use of the Spanish form of his name in his diaries and letters along with certain oddities lend great credence to the fact that he was Jewish.
6. Colon is a Spanish-Jewish name.
7. The name Colombo is synonymous with the name “JONAH,” which means, “dove.”
8. Jonah was the first Hebrew prophet sent to a Gentile nation but rebelled and found himself thrown overboard by lots during a fierce storm.
9. Prior to discovering America, Columbus found his fleet being tossed at sea by a violent storm on his return from the New World. The storm was so strong he recommended that the crew appease God with a sacrificial vow. One from among them was to vow to make a pilgrimage to a particular monastery if they survived. Columbus took 39 beans and marked a cross on one of them. They drew lots a total of four times and each time Columbus drew the marked bean.
10. Jonah’s mission was to go to a Gentile nation and be a light but when he disobeyed, God intervened with a storm. God used a storm to likewise push Columbus to discovering what we know today as North and South America.
11. Columbus sometimes signed his name in a peculiar triangular form. Some historians believe this alluded to his Jewish heritage.
12. In 1484, Columbus was 33 years old. This is the year of a man’s life known in Italy as “anno de Christo,” the year of Christ, which according to tradition is reserved for revelation.
13. He felt he had received divine revelation to sail west and to take the name of Christ to the ends of the earth. Later in his dairies he likened himself to a modern day Moses.
14. It is possible that Columbus' quest for gold was in his heart more for the restoration of Israel and the Temple than just lust for riches. He wanted to expel the Muslims.
15. On MARCH 30, 1492 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella signed a decree to expel the Jews from Spain. Until that time Spain had been one of only a few safe havens for Jewish people.
16. This date of March 30, 1492 coincided with the coronation of Cyrus King of Persia many years prior. Cyrus made it possible for the Jews to return to Israel after Babylonian captivity and rebuild the city of Jerusalem for the Holy Temple. One year later, Ezra left Babylon to assist with reconstruction.
17. On April 30, 1492, one much after the edict, it was read publically. The same day, Columbus received his order to sail westward and to prepare for his expedition. The edict by Ferdinand and Isabella helped this take place.
18. The year 1491-1492 corresponds to the Hebrew year fdsa (5252)
19. The numbers mean “har nov,” meaning “mount of fruit.” This year (1492) was the year that the Lord determined to raise up a nation that would bring forth fruit for His glory.
20. On August 2, 1492, thousands of Jewish people departed from Spain. One of their ports of departure was Palos, the same port from which Columbus had intended to depart. He delayed the voyage one day which is significant.
The 2nd of August, 1492 fell on the 9th of Av on the Hebrew Calendar. According to Jewish tradition, the 9th of Av is considered cursed.
a. The 12 scouts sent out by Moses returned with a bad report
b. The Exodus generation was condemned to die on this date
c. Nebuchadnezzar set fire to the first Temple
d. Romans destroyed the second Temple.
e. Romans plowed up the Temple Mount to convert it to a Roman colony.
f. The last independent outpost of Bar Kochba rebellion fell to the Romans on this date.
g. King Edward of England expelled all Jewish people on this date in 1290 A.D.
h. The last group of Jews left Vienna in 1670 after expulsion from Austria
i. The Turkish government banned immigration of Russian and Romanian Jews into Palestine in 1882.
j. World War I began, precipitated by the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand.
k. A decree to expel the Jews from parts of Hungary was issued on this date in 1941.
21. On August 3, 1492, Columbus received communion and set sail aboard his flagship, the Santa Maria. Martin Vincente and Francisco Pinzon commanded the Nina and the Pinta, the two ships that accompanied the Santa Maria. The 10th of Av is historically understood to be the date both Temples were burned to the ground.
22. Columbus planned the voyage very carefully. Jewish people were included in his crew – Luis de Torres, whom Columbus hired as an interpreter because he truly expected to find a remnant of the lost tribes of Israel at his destination. The physician, the mapmaker, and the officer in charge of nautical instruments were also Jewish.
23. On October 9, 1492 Columbus and crew faced a mutiny and crisis on board ship in the middle of the Atlantic. The ship wandered aimlessly as Columbus promised the crew that if they did not find land in three days, he’d turn the ship around.
24. The date for this event is Tishri 5253 – The middle of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot. This feast commemorates Israel’s wilderness wanderings with no place to call home. God instructed Israel to dwell in booths during this feast to remember the nights that they slept under the stars.
25. Under the night stars, a man named Columbus wandered through waters of unknown destiny en route to America even as Israel wandered through the wilderness in search of HER destiny.
26. October 12, Rodrigo De Triana (A JEWISH PERSON?) spotted land. When Columbus heard this historians say he spoke Hebrew to the other crew!
27. October 12 was the 71rst day of the voyage. In Bible numerology, 70 represent restoration. Israel was in Babylon 70 years and returned to the Holy Land in the beginning of the 71rst year. It was also 21 Tishri on the Hebrew Calendar – the day of Hoshanah Rabbah. Hoshanah means “please save now.” And Rabbah means “many.” The Hebrew liturgy for this day was composed of prayers that plead with God to be saved. In the ancient Temple, as well as in synagogues today, worshipers take the four animals and march around the court of the Temple seven times reciting Psalms 118. This is a minor Yom Kippur celebration where the judgment of man, which began on Rosh Hashanah and climaxes on Yom Kippur ends.
28. Wearing a scarlet doublet, Columbus went ashore on October 12, 1492 on San Salvador. The Americas were discovered.
29. October 13, 1492, the day after the discovery of the New World would have been Shemini Atzeret, or the eighth day of Convocation (Tishri 22). Traditionally, this is the day accepted as the day Solomon dismissed the people from the Temple celebration dedication celebration. (1 Kings 8:66). In Israel this day is called Simchat Torah, or the rejoicing of the Torah. At this time there is much celebration as the Torah scroll is rolled back to the beginning of Genesis.
30. There is a tradition on 21 Tishri of baking bread with a hand on top of it. The hand symbolizes God sealed His decision made for that time. The hand is also said to represent the document or verdict of that decision. (Isaiah 11:11-12)
31. It seems that on Hoshanah Rabbah God indeed made a decision and set His hand to recover his people.
32. God was creating a NEW WORLD through Columbus on the very day Jewish tradition was reading about His first creation of a NEW WORLD in Genesis. What an incredible connection to our Hebraic roots. 33. A Jewish man sailing west into the unknown to discover a new land which in the end times became the world’s next to last economic, military and political superpower.
34. MORE IMPORTANTLY America’s purpose was two fold:
a. TO spread the gospel and be a light to other nations
b. TO protect Israel and offer a safe haven for the Jewish people.
35. America is connected to Israel as an umbilical cord connects a baby to its mother Scripture References: Isaiah 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. Isaiah 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. 1 Kings 8:66 On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.
Summary of Dates: March 30, 1492 – King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella signs decree to expel Jews from Spain; Same day Cyrus, King of Persia was crowned, which made it possible for the Jewish people under Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem for the Holy Temple and the exiles to return. April 30, 1492 – Edict read publicly one month after it is signed. Columbus receives orders to sail and prepare for expedition. 1491-1492- Hebrew Year 5252 – Means “Har Nov” – “Mount of Fruit” August 2, 1492 – Thousands of Jewish people depart from Spain to the port of Palos, where Columbus waited one day before embarking on journey. Same day as the 9th of Av on the Hebrew Calendar. August 3, 1492 – Columbus receives communion and sets sail aboard his flagship. Date is 10th of Av on the Hebrew calendar – the very day both temples are burned. October 9, 1492 – Columbus and crew face mutiny on ship. The Hebrew calendar is 18 Tishri 5253 – the middle of the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot which commemorates Israel’s wandering. October 12, 1492 (2:00 A.M. on a Friday) – Rodrigo de Triana (possibly a Jewish man) sights land which we now know as the Americas. Columbus speaks Hebrew to crew when he is told of the sighting. October 12, 1492 – 71rst day of voyage – 21 Tishri on Hebrew Calendar – Hoshanah Rabbah. October 13, 1492 – 22 Tishri on Hebrew Calendar; Simchat Torah on Hebrew calendar – when the Torah scroll is rolled back to the beginning of Genesis. Interesting Prayers and Writings of Columbus in Dairy: “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” – first entry into dairy on August 3, 1492. “Save now this nation, once firm as a rampart, and clear as the sun; she is exiled, a wandering one.” – Jewish prayer for the Intermediate Days of Sukkoth. “As thou didst save together God and nation, the people singled out for God’s salvation, so save thou us…they passed between the deep divided sea and with them for their guide, the light from thee so save thou us! Establish us as they chosen vineyard and make us as a tree planted by the streams of water…plant us we pray upon a faithful sod.” – Portion of prayers recited on Hoshanah Rabbah – the day Columbus goes ashore on land of the New World.
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