The first picture book introducing Doña Gracia Mendes, the extraordinary 16th-century secret Jew. Even Gracia — her Jewish name — had to be kept secret. But she and her husband helped other secret Jews in Portugal by persuading the king to protect them during the Inquisition. When her husband died, many said a woman couldn’t run his international business, but Doña Gracia did. Escaping Portugal, she helped other Jews do the same, smuggling them out of the country on her spice ships in the night. She defied kings and risked her life to help other secret Jews escape to safety. When she could finally live freely as a Jew in Turkey, Gracia used her resources to help build synagogues, hospitals, and yeshivas. In this timeless tale of identity, community, and courage, (and doesn’t refer to The Inquisition by name) Dona Gracia saved worlds.
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Children’s
Doña Gracia Saved Worlds
- From the Publisher
September 1, 2023
Discussion Questions
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