Luis de Carvajal

Luis de Carvajal was born in Benavente, Spain, the son of New Christians. Educated at a Jesuit school in Medina del Campo, he was introduced to Jewish practices by his parents when he was thirteen years old. A year later, the family left for the New World, together with his maternal uncle and namesake, Luis de Carvajal, who had been governor of the New Kingdom of León. His uncle, unaware of his nephew’s allegiance to Judaism, named Carvajal to be his successor. Carvajal initially worked as the governor’s aide but later left his uncle’s service. He intensified his secret observance and promulgation of Judaism and became a leader of the community of Judaizers in Mexico. He was arrested in 1589 and feigned repentance; as part of his punishment he was sent to teach in a school for indigenous peoples. Carvajal later reverted publicly to Judaism, was arrested again in 1595, and was burned at the stake a year later. His autobiography, letters, and will are not only fine examples of belles-lettres but also valuable sources of information about his community.