“Crypto-Jews” in New Mexico, Sunshine Week, New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange

This week, NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS presents a companion piece to the national series “THE STORY OF THE JEWS WITH SIMON SCHAMA,” which premiers Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Ch.5.1. NMiF Producer Megan Kamerick focuses on the experience of “conversos” or “crypto-Jews” in New Mexico. In 1492, the Edict of Expulsion launched the diaspora of Sephardic Jews from Spain. Many found their way to the New World, including New Mexico, although they could not openly practice their religion. Dr. Frances Levine, director of the New Mexico History Museum, and historian Roger Martínez-Dávila, flesh out the history of these people and their role in New Mexico heritage and identity. Sonya Loya, an artisan and educator who has recovered her family’s secret Jewish past, discusses her personal journey and conversion to Judaism. NMIF also features an interview with Dr. Isabelle Medina Sandoval, poet and descendant of crypto-Jews.

NMiF highlights Sunshine Week, a time to celebrate the laws that give citizens access to their government and the important work of journalists. Correspondent Gwyneth Doland speaks with Susan Boe, the new executive director of the Foundation for Open Government, about what is happening around the state regarding public records and open meetings laws.

NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS also looks at the push to get more young people enrolled in the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange. March 31st marks the end of the enrollment period, under the Affordable Care Act, and enrollment levels in New Mexico are lagging. Gwyneth Doland talks to Dr. Martin Hickey of the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange, insurance agent James Tome and Beverly Kloeppel, director of Student Health and Counseling at the University of New Mexico, about the challenges in getting young people to enroll.

GUESTS:
Susan Boe, Executive Director, New Mexico Foundation for Open Government
Dr. Martin Hickey, Director, New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange Board of Directors
Dr. Beverly Kloeppel, Director, Student Health & Counseling at the University of New Mexico
Dr. Frances Levine, Director, New Mexico History Museum
Sonya Loya, Artisan and Educator
Dr. Roger Martínez-Dávila, Professor, University of Colorado
Dr. Isabelle Medina Sandoval, Poet and Descendant of Crypto-Jews
James Tome, Agency Vice President, HBW Insurance & Financial Services Inc.

CORRESPONDENT:
Gwyneth Doland, NMiF Correspondent
Megan Kamerick, NMiF Producer

HOST/COMMENTATOR: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Megan Kamerick. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.

Episode 738 for air March 21, 2014