Having done lots of reading and research about chocolate and its history and some theology studies, I have found its just about impossible to separate chocolate and religion, from the ancient beliefs of Mokaya, Olmec, Maya Aztec civilisations, to the Catholics, Muslims Quakers, and Jews its clear that Chocolate and religion are in a long term relationship, sometimes close sometimes not.

Like most things the Jewish chocolate story is a long and fascinating one. It begins with the arrival of chocolate in Europe in the 16th century, and it continues to this day.

Jews have played a significant role in the development of the chocolate industry, from its early days as a luxury item to its current status as a global commodity.

The first Jews to encounter chocolate sailed with the Spanish conquistadors.

The Aztecs, who had been using chocolate for centuries, were eager to share their knowledge of the drink with the Spaniards.

The conquistadors quickly took a liking to chocolate, and they began to bring it back to Spain with them. where chocolate quickly became a popular drink among the wealthy and powerful.

It was seen as a luxury item, and it was often served at lavish banquets. Chocolate was also used as a medicine, and it was believed to have a number of health benefits.

At the end of the 1400's Alhambra Decree was issued by the Catholic monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, on March 31, 1492, which expelled all Jews from the Spanish kingdoms.

This led to a mass migration of Jews from Spain to the rest of Europe, including Bayonne, France. Several of these Jewish chocolatiers settled in Bayonne and introduced Spanish-style drinking chocolate to southern France. Bayonne is still known for its chocolate today.

In the 17th century, chocolate began to spread to other parts of Europe, Jews played a significant role in this process, with many Jews being skilled merchants, they were able to establish and mantain successful chocolate businesses in a number of European cities.

One of the most famous Jewish chocolate makers was David Nieto. Nieto was born in Spain in 1654, and sailed with the Portuguese moved to London in 1683. In London, Nieto opened a successful chocolate shop, and he became one of the most popular chocolate makers in the city.

Nieto's chocolate was known for its high quality, and it was often served at the royal court.

During the 18th century, the chocolate industry began to grow rapidly, with the development of new technologies, such as the steam engine, which made it possible to produce chocolate at scale. Jews continued to play a significant role in the chocolate industry during this time. They established chocolate factories in a number of countries, and they helped to make chocolate more affordable and accessible to the general public.

In the 19th century, chocolate became a global commodity. Jews continued to play a leading role in the chocolate industry, and they helped to make chocolate one of the most popular foods in the world.

Today, there are still many Jewish chocolate companies, and they produce a wide variety of chocolate products.

The Jewish chocolate story is a fascinating one that highlights the important role that Jews have played in the development of this delicious and beloved food not to mention the traddition of giving chocolate gelt

More on chocolate and religion click here