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


Passover: Why the Exodus resonates with Jews from Arab countries

At this year’s Seder, Jews with roots in Arab and Muslim countries might be reflecting, in spite of all the hardships, that the exodus was a blessing and a liberation from persecution.

 Jews being airlifted from Iraq

Sephardi chief rabbi warns of Israel civil war, calls for peace

The rabbi said that while he does not get involved in politics, he believes that all sides need to come to the table and hold dialogue with each other.

 Israel's Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef attends a rally against Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana conversion and kashrut reforms plan, at the International Convention Center, on February 1, 2022.

Lorraine Hansberry’s second play revived by Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan

Hansberry, who's work is being revived, saw just two of her works produced on Broadway before her death from cancer at 34 in 1965.

 Molly Ranson and Francis Benhamou star in “Prayer for the French Republic,” a new off-Broadway play at Manhattan Theatre Club.

Remains of Medieval Synagogue found in Spain

This is one of very few Jewish structures still in existence after Spain's expulsion of the Jews.

SYNAGOGUE IN the Mellah, once home to the city’s Jewish population, Marrakech 2019. It was originally built in 1492 by Jews expelled from Spain

The Mizrahi-Ashkenazi divide: The differences in Jewish cuisine

With a diasporic community spreading from Morocco to Iran, it is no surprise that the cuisine that developed in these countries reflects the food cultures around them.

 DOUGHY JACHNUN

Does Israel still discriminate against Mizrahi Jews?

Are there still gaps between Jews of Mizrahi and Ashkenazi descent in Israel today? And if so, where and how do they manifest themselves?

 SHAS CHAIRMAN Arye Deri and MK Yaacov Margi attend a Shas educational institution conference.

The Lost Tribes of Israel: Who are their descendants today?

There is a group of people looking to uncover the truth behind the lost tribes in order to determine where they went and to integrate them back into the Jewish people.

 TWELVE TRIBES mosaic (Middle candelabrum modified).

'Nobody cares about LGBTQ+ people' - Smotrich in surfaced recordings

In the conversation, Smotrich said that his position against the LGBTQ+ community does not hurt him politically because his voters don't care.

 FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionist Party, addresses a meeting of his Knesset faction on Monday.

Haredi rabbi slams Smotrich for reducing soda tax

"These fools. This donkey is lowering the tax on sugary drinks. Moron. Our country is number one in diabetic amputations. Over 10% of the population."

 Rabbi Ben Zion Mutzafi.

What will be impact if Rabbinate picks IDF chief rabbi? - analysis

The issue could be making a mountain out of a molehill. Yet, it could also be a case of some of the political class trying to dress up a future major strike on the IDF’s independence.

 SEPHARDI CHIEF Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef delivers an address. ‘I feel that it’s important for me to remind Rabbi Yosef that Israel was established to bring Jews in the Diaspora close to her, not to ostracize them,’ says the writer.