Summary: In just a few days, the tiny Jewish community in Nicaragua doubled when over 100 people converted to Judaism. 22 couples wed according to Jewish tradition following the conversions conducted in the home of a community leader in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. A non-profit group based in New York, Kulanu, facilitated the conversions. About half of the candidates for the conversions claimed they had Jewish ancestry, and some claimed they had been pursuing Judaism their entire lives. Jews have been living in Nicaragua since the 18th century, but the Jewish community in Nicaragua contained only about 50 people in 2012. Even at that, it was comprised mostly of American retirees. Assisted by Kulanu, 14 people converted in 2014, and another 14 in 2015. Some of the people who converted know that their ancestors were forced to abandon Judaism at some point.
Context: The religion of Judaism has three sections - Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed. Jews believe in one god and worship at a synagogue. Their sacred city is Jerusalem. Praying is very important to Jews; since they must pray every Friday evening to Saturday evening.
