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‘The Sephardics of Curaçao’ offers an in-depth study of the Sephardic Jewish community in Curaçao, which has played a significant role in the island’s economic, social, and cultural development since the 17th century. Through anthropological analysis, Frances P. Karner examines the origins of this community, their migration from the Iberian Peninsula, their influence on trade in the Caribbean, and their religious and social traditions.
The book highlights how the Sephardic Jews adapted to the specific conditions of Curaçao and how they contributed to the broader Caribbean and Atlantic trade networks. Through historical documents and socio-cultural analyses, Karner provides a valuable insight into the unique position of this community within the Jewish diaspora.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Professor H. Hoetink ….. V
Introduction ….. 1
Aim and Scope of Study ….. 1
Methods Used ….. 1
Presentation ….. 2
Clarifications ….. 3
I. In the Beginning ….. 4
Curaçao ….. 4
Sephardics ….. 5
II. The Sephardics and Curaçao: Socio-historical patters of the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries ….. 9
Social Structure ….. 10
Family and Marriage Patterns ….. 11
For-Names and Surnames ….. 16
Religion ….. 18
Social Interactions ….. 20
Relations with the Afro-Carribbeans ….. 22
Language, Education, and Culture ….. 24
Occupations and Economy ….. 27
Sephardism and Protestants ….. 32
III. Generation II: The Transition Years, 1880 – 1910 ….. 34
Economy ….. 34
Social Structure ….. 36
Family and Marriage, Patterns ….. 37
Education, Language, and Culture ….. 38
IV. Generation III: The Shell Refinery, 1910 – 1940 ….. 40
Refinery ….. 40
Social Structure and Economy ….. 42
Marriage, Family Patterns, and Surnames ….. 44
Language, Cultural Attitude, and Education ….. 48
Religion ….. 49
V. Generation IV: The New Order, 1940 – present ….. 51
World War II and the Economy ….. 51
Socio-Political Structure ….. 54
Education, Culture, and Language ….. 56
Marriage and Family Patterns ….. 58
Religion ….. 66
Social Interactions ….. 68
VI. Conclusions ….. 72
General Summary ….. 73
Future Trends ….. 74
Appendix: Sample Questionnaire ….. 78
Bibliography ….. 82
Selected ….. 82
Pertinent General Background ….. 83
Acknowledgements ….. 84
