Sephardim

Reclaiming the Jewish learning tradition that once defined Sephardic Judaism

Across 20 countries, three new institutions are reclaiming the worldly tradition of Jewish learning that once defined Sephardic Judaism, insisting it belongs to every Jew.

SCHOLARS, RABBIS, and communal leaders gather at the second Sephardic Rabbinic Conference in New York in August.
Visitors examine exhibits at the “Jewish Shamash Museum” in Baghdad, Iraq.

Iraq opens first Jewish museum as country's ancient community nears extinction

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) people in Tel Aviv in June.

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community feels misunderstood. Here’s why - opinion

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group H - Uruguay v Cape Verde - Fans gather in Praia - Praia, Cape Verde - June 21, 2026 Cape Verde fans pose for a photograph during the match screening

Cape Verde, the FIFA World Cup 2026 underdog with unexpected Moroccan Jewish roots


Bridging Histories: New WJC exhibition celebrates Sephardi history, heritage and contributions

"Sephardi Heritage is Jewish Heritage," says Rabbi Isaac Choua, of Lebanese origins, who oversees the exhibition, promoted as part of Sephardi Heritage Month.

Part of the exhibit.

'Across So Many Seas': Sephardi history from young adults - review

Ruth Behar tells the stories of four generations of 12-year-old Sephardi girls in a single family over a 500-year period. Music, poetry, and food all play significant roles in the interwoven stories.

 'Auto de fe en la plaza Mayor de Madrid,' painted by Francisco Rizzi, 1680.

Rabbi David Yosef chosen as Israel's Sephardic chief rabbi

Position for Ashkenazi role sees tie • New round of votes not yet set

 Rabbi David Yosef.

The unsung Sephardi pioneers who built Jerusalem and beyond - opinion

Learn about the forgotten Sephardi pioneers who played a crucial role in building modern Israel, long before the First Aliyah.

 A MURAL shows Aharon Chelouche, far left, who founded Neveh Tzedek, with Shimon Rokach, center, in the foreground, and Haim Amzalak dressed as British vice-consul. On the right is Zerah Barnett, who also contributed to Neveh Tzedek’s founding.

Silvio Santos, legendary Jewish Brazilian TV host and media mogul, dies at 93

Silvio Santos, Brazil’s top TV personality and media mogul, passed away at 93. Known for his Jewish pride and philanthropy, Santos left a lasting legacy.

 Brazil's most famous TV personality and host of various game shows Silvio Santos waves to the crowd from atop his float for the 'Tradicao' samba school during a late-evening parade at the Sambadrome stadium in Rio de Janeiro February 25, 2001.

From Essaouira to Latin America: Reviving the Moroccan Jewish Diaspora’s rich history

'These exchanges culminated in a collective commitment to strengthen bonds between Jewish communities across Latin America and their historical roots in Morocco.'

 JACOB MARRACHE presents to the director of Bayt Dakira Ghita Rabouli the book resulting from his project transcribing ‘beit din’ ledger books from Essaouira dating from 1919 to the 1960s.

Major haredi systems to face organizational overhaul after financial trouble

The issue of the haredi school system is unrelated to the ongoing issue of the haredi exemption from IDF service, whose legal basis expired in July 2023.

 HAREDI STUDENTS learn in a yeshiva.

A vision for the future: Observations of Jewish life and heritage in Morocco - opinion

Essaouira, with its rich history and vibrant culture, stands as a reminder of what is possible when we embrace our shared heritage.

 THE WRITER (third from left) poses with leaders of the Mimouna Association and participants from Latin America at the recent conference in Essaouira, Morocco.

ANU to screen documentary on plight of crypto-Jews

Israel must rise to challenge of welcoming millions of potential Jews and Israel supporters.

 MEMBERS OF the Barra Salada and Armenia emerging communities in El Salvador pose with Michael Milgrom.

The Chief Rabbinate office is rife with nepotism, affecting Israeli society - opinion

Accusations of nepotism within Israel's rabbinate intensify amid upcoming elections. This practice, seen in key appointments, raises concerns about fairness and transparency.

 ASHKENAZI CHIEF Rabbi David Lau (left) and Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef: The silence of our two chief rabbis is thunderously indicative of the abject state of these once meaningful and relevant positions, the writer argues.