A pseudo-science based on the belief that the genetic quality of a human population can be improved by promoting certain desirable traits and reducing undesirable ones. Eugenics, which is highly influenced by racism, had many proponents in the early 20th Century in Europe and the United States. Advocates of eugenics promoted discriminatory policies such as restricting interracial marriage or forcing the sterilization of individuals deemed "unfit" (often those with mental illnesses or disabilities). Principles of eugenics also influenced immigration policies, limiting entry for individuals of certain ethnic or racial backgrounds, often based on nationality.
Also known as the Immigration Act of 1924, the act revised American immigration laws according to immigrants’ “national origins” by limiting total annual immigration to the U.S. to around 165,000 individuals and setting annual quotas for immigration from each country. Inspired in part by American proponents of eugenics, this act restricted the entry of "less desirable" immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe--including Jews--while encouraging immigration from northern and western European countries with higher quotas.
Also known as the "High Holy Days," High Holidays refers to the Jewish holidays of Rosh HaShanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The 10 day period beginning with Rosh HaShanah and ending after Yom Kippur is a period of introspection and spiritual recommitment.
A Spanish term for estate, finca refers to a piece of agricultural land with an estate building such as a cottage or farmhouse, such as a ranch or large farm. The term is used in Spanish-speaking countries throughout the world, but particularly in tropical Spanish America.
Refers to Jews of Central and Eastern European origin. Ashkenazi Jews represent one of the major Jewish ethnic divisions, along with Sephardic Jews (originating in Spain and Portugal) and Mizrahi Jews (from the Middle East and North Africa, including Iraq, Iran, Yemen, and Morocco). The term "Ashkenazi" has its roots in a medieval Hebrew name for Germany. Influenced by their history in Germany, Russia, and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Ashkenazi Jews developed a distinct language, Yiddish, as well as distinct religious practices and cultural traditions.
