Reyna Simnegar: Her Family Hid Their Judaism for 500 Years

Reyna Simnegar: Her Family Hid Their Judaism for 500 Years

Author: Meaningful Minute January 24, 2026 Duration: 1:22:33
Meaningful People
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityEducationJudaismSelf ImprovementSpirituality

She grew up Catholic in Venezuela, never knowing Jews still existed, yet her family quietly lit candles, covered mirrors, and placed stones on graves. Centuries-old Jewish practices survived in her home without explanation, passed down in secret since the Spanish Inquisition.

 

In this episode, Reyna Simnegar shares her extraordinary journey from Venezuela to Judaism: uncovering crypto-Jewish roots dating back over 500 years, discovering her family's hidden mesorah, living through political collapse under Chávez, and ultimately converting Orthodox and building a Jewish life and family. From Schindler's List to UCLA, from Taco Bell to Jerusalem, this is a powerful story of identity, faith, exile, and return.

 

A rare, deeply personal conversation about Anusim, survival, and what it means to come home, even when it takes generations.



This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors:



► PZ Deals

 

Download the app and never pay full price again!

 

https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp

 _____________________

 

► Colel Chabad Pushka App

 

The easiest way to give Tzedaka

 

https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful

 

_____________________

 

► Move to San Antonio - The Other Texas

 

A growing Jewish community offering warmth, learning, affordability, and opportunity. Small-town feel, strong values, and a big future just outside Austin.

 

https://www.rodfeisholom.com/movetosa

 

_____________________

 

► Givat Hashalva

 

Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim.

 

https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN

 

_____________________

 

► Wruble & Co

 

Exceptional legal service starts with a genuine personal connection. We deliver clear, efficient, results-driven legal counsel in Israeli real estate, always guided by the client's individual needs. Through transparency, care, and clarity, we support confident decision-making at every step.

 

https://www.wrublelaw.co.il/

 

_____________________

 

► Dream Raffle

 

Win a brand new and fully furnished $1,200,000 apartment in Yerushalayim! 

Use Promo code MPP for $10 off and to receive double tickets!

 

https://thedreamraffle.com/ 

 

_____________________

 

► Rothenberg Law Firm

 

Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years!

Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation

 

https://shorturl.at/JFKHH

 

_____________________

 

► Town Appliance 

 

Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp

 

https://www.townappliance.com 

https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp 

 


Every week, Nachi and Momo sit down for a conversation that feels more like a discovery than an interview. Their Meaningful People podcast explores the journeys of fascinating individuals from across the Jewish world, though you don't need to be Jewish to find their stories compelling. These are artists, educators, thinkers, and community builders-people whose lives are driven by purpose. Each episode delves into the personal turning points, challenges, and inspirations that shaped them, moving beyond public personas to reveal the real human experience behind them. You’ll hear conversations that are as likely to be funny and lighthearted as they are profound and reflective, offering a genuine sense of connection. This isn't about abstract ideas, but about the lived wisdom that comes from a life examined. Tune in for a weekly dose of perspective that feels both uplifting and grounding, a reminder of the diverse paths that lead to a meaningful life. From Meaningful Minute, this podcast sits at the unique intersection of spirituality, self-improvement, and education, all through the power of personal narrative.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 298

Official website RSS
instagramspotify
Meaningful People
Podcast Episodes
Mendel Mintz | "We Just Wanted To Build a Family" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:25
In this deeply personal conversation, Mendel Mintz shares his journey of growing up in Crown Heights with a lifelong physical disability, building a life of community impact, and finding unexpected love with his wife, Mi…
Why the Frum World Is Becoming Financially Unsustainable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:04
In this Meaningful People episode, financial advisor Moshe Alpert and community advocate Shmuly Hartstein unpack why many frum "middle‑class" families earning $200–300K still feel underwater—tuition that rivals a salary,…
The Shidduch System May Be Broken. Adina Reich Has a Solution. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:43
In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, veteran shadchan Adina Reich traces the evolution of the shidduch system — from handwritten index cards to WhatsApp chats — and reflects on the hopes, heartbreak, and faith…
Our Most REPLAYED Moments Ever (You'll See Why) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:38
The Meaningful People Podcast had hundreds of incredible moments but some stood out above the rest. In this special episode, we're looking back at the most rewatched clips that YOU couldn't stop sharing. From miraculous…
Rachel Tuchman: Ozempic, Weight Loss, and Our Community's Obsession [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:21
In this eye-opening conversation, therapist Rachel Tuchman dives deep into the way we talk about food, body image, and health in the frum community — and why it matters more than we think. From Yom Tov tables filled with…
R' Shoff Q&A on the Campus Where Charlie Kirk Was Killed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:52
Rabbi Elchanan Shoff visits the campus where Charlie Kirk was tragically shot to host an open Ask Me Anything with students. In this powerful and candid conversation, he answers tough questions about Judaism, Israel, ant…
Gila's Story: A Father's Mission to Save Lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:32
In this deeply moving conversation, Rabbi Hammer opens up about his daughter Gila—her vibrant spirit, her struggles following a traumatic assault, and the painful journey that led to her tragic passing. He shares stories…

«1234567...30»