From the religious identity: the Jewish uniqueness in Belo Horizonte in times of migration

Abstract

The article discusses and analyzes the Jewish religious identity from the frame of the diaspora that led to new communities, characterized by linguistic, religious, historical and cultural differences. The Jewish identity and its configuration in the religious field constitute the symbolic plot of what it means to be a Jew anywhere in the world conducting the idea of people/nation. To understand the identitary process of the Jewish people it was necessary a Republican context. Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in its foundation experienced a diversity of Jewish migrant people from various parts of the country. In the community formation prevailed the Jews from East European migrants responsible for the first religious organizations and community in the city. From the 1930’s, especially with the increase of European anti-Semitism, the city began to receive another group that brought new contributions to the Jewish in Belo Horizonte, broadening cultural and political influence by highlighting a uniqueness in being Jewish. The chosen path to understand this process of identity and uniqueness was based on history