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


18th-century Sephardic silversmith's Torah decorations to be displayed in US museums for first time

The pair of ornaments are known as finials, or “rimonim” in Hebrew, and sit on top of the two wooden staves of a Torah scroll when it is not being read.

 Torah rimonim.

A novel of Sephardic life revives the Jewish family saga

The book arrives at a time of renewed interest in Sephardic culture, giving a fresh story to American Jewish readers who may be more familiar with the Ashkenazi experience.

 Cover of Elizabeth Graver's novel 'Kantika'.

Spain’s Jews: A legacy of Jewish-Muslim friendship - opinion

From medicine to math and music, from science to commerce and so many other aspects of shared life, Jews and Muslims proved their ability to thrive in partnership.

 ZAHAK TANVIR (left) visits The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue with the writer.

Shas does not represent Moroccan Jewry, is Ashkenazi - former PMO official

David Agmon, born in Casablanca, Morocco, has spoken repeatedly against the government and the Shas Party in recent months.

Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri at a party meeting, in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 30, 2023.

Remembering Moshe Shaul: The man who helped revive Ladino

Scholars and Ladino speakers agree that he single-handedly revived the language at a time when it was on the decline and Sephardi culture had lost relevance.

 Moshe Shaul addressing a gathering of Ladino-speaking Jews in Jerusalem in 2012.

A Sephardi renaissance is underway - opinion

While these nations have become increasingly vocal about welcoming the return of Jews, they have painful histories of violence.

 BEIT HARAV dedication ceremony a century ago, on 12 Sivan, 5683 / May 27, 1923. Seated on the dais is Rav Abraham Isaac Kook wearing his fur spodek; to his L are Harry Fischel, Herbert Samuel, and Sephardi chief rabbi Yaakov Meir.

Porto is an example for reestablishing a Jewish community - opinion

We must find new and innovative ways of ensuring Jewish existence in all parts of our continent for generations to come.

 DIRECTOR OF the Porto Holocaust Museum, Michael Rothwell, clasping his hands, and Israel’s Ambassador to Portugal Dor Shapira, looking on, host Portuguese children from around the country on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

No fear, more effort to build after the Djerba attack - opinion

Yes, Jewish life has its difficult, even tragic moments – but it is in the response to those tragedies that I can see how Jewish communities have thrived.

 THE GHRIBA synagogue in Djerba, Tunisia, where this month’s attack took place: There was a sense of loss, but also an undercurrent of grim determination that this community would carry on, says the writer.

Paying a visit to Jewish Istanbul

One cannot visit a country with a culture as rich as that of Turkey without paying homage to some of its outstanding sites.

 ISTANBUL’S OLD Ortaköy Cemetery.

Jerusalem art exhibit explores old Sephardi communities

The exhibition of that name is currently on display at the Biennale Gallery at the venerable former Shaare Zedek Medical Center building on Jaffa Road.

 ‘DECAYING ROOTS’ shows the lamentable state of the Bhamdoun Synagogue in Lebanon.