Historian Art Benveniste will speak about “Crypto-Jews” at 11 a.m. Sun., Aug. 19 at Congregation B’nai Emet, 9 W. Bonita Drive, Simi Valley.

Crypto-Jews were Jews in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Brazil and New Mexico who secretly practiced Jewish rites for centuries after being forced to convert to Catholicism in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Many of the descendants of these Crypto-Jews, also know as Conversos, Marranos and Anusim, are now seeking their Jewish heritage.

Benveniste, a Sephardic Jew, has spent many years tracing the roots of Sephardic culture. He has visited many Jewish sites in Europe, Asia and South America.

The CBE Men’s Club and Sisterhood will host a brunch before the presentation.

For more information or to RSVP, call (805) 581-3723 or visit www.congregationbnaiemet.org.

•The congregation will host a Sabbath service on the patio, overlooking Simi Valley, on Fri., Aug. 24.

A potluck vegetarian dinner will start at 7 p.m., followed by the service at 7:45. Rabbi Michele Paskow and Cantor Michael Russ will lead the service. Guests are welcome.