Rebekah’s tale begins in Madrid in the 17th century where she lived with her father, a great merchant and banker. She is loved and admired by all Madrid, not only for her beauty but also for her tireless acts of charity, feeding thousands of Madrid's hungry in public comidas. Her admirers include Tomas, a giant gypsy, and Diego, an enamored, young nobleman
who discovers Rebekah's family’s secret – they are Marranos (secret
Jews).