Alberto,

There is a definitive Sephardic element among the early settlers of
Mexico in colonial times, but not as widespread as some would like you
to believe.  

Some Hispanic persons are carefully researching evidences or hints of
a possible Sephardic ancestry but many more are too eagerly and
hastily donning an ethnic label without sufficient
genealogical/historical or genetic proof to back their claims.

It is something similar to the ever popular reason for pursuing
genealogical research in many people: finding one's royal lineage
ancestors.  The allure of belonging to a special group is a potent
motivator and what's more special than being "chosen by God"?  The
question is are we in a search after factual truths or a fanciful and
embellished version of a glorious past?

Saludos Cordiales,
Victor


--- In ranchos@yahoogroups.com, Alberto Duarte <albertodua@y...> wrote:
>
> Regarding our Jewish cousins....
> Joseph, you mean Sephardic Jews.  I've seen a number
> of Sephardic genealogy websites, most of them
> sponsored by people like us that have found their
> Jewish roots.  I found a number of early Spanish and
> Portuguese Sephardic Jews in early Mexico that had the
> last name Duarte, but I've yet to make a connection
> with anyone of them.  But I would not be surprised to
> find out that some of my ancestors were Sephardic
> Jews. 
> 
> Also, I've known Spanish Jews here in the United
> States and I have found them to be a very intelligent,
> friendly and handsome group of people.
> 
> Alberto Duarte Prieto
> Santa Maria, California 
>