Orphans is the true story of a forbidden love affair set in the oppressive and violent atmosphere of nineteenth century Mexico. One man, Melchor Ocampo, driven by the twin passions of love and idealism, defies the stain of illegitimacy to shake off the crippling yoke of Spain and the Catholic Church. In so doing he becomes a founding figure of modern day Mexico.

Oshinica Mataraso and Rifke Groman are from two families from Europe: the Mataraso are Sephardic who came to Mexico after being expelled by the Catholic Monarchs, and the Groman are Ashkenazi and their lineage had to face the Holocaust. Oshinica and Rifke are Mexican-born Jews, although they feel treated as foreigners. Anxious to find their identity, Oshi and Rifke confront the traditions of their relatives.