Who are the Sephardic Jews

Welcome to The Abravanel, Duarte and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation, where we are dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique cultural heritage of Sephardic Jews. In this article, we will explore the question:

Who are the Sephardic Jews?

The term Sephardic refers to 

Jews whose ancestry can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula, which includes modern-day Spain and Portugal. Sephardic Jews have a distinct cultural identity that is different from Ashkenazi Jews, who are of Central and Eastern European descent.

The Sephardic Jewish community has a rich history, traditions, and language that have been passed down through generations. Some of the most notable aspects of Sephardic culture include Sephardic music, cuisine, and the Ladino language.

Where are the Sephardic Jews?

The Sephardic Jewish community has been in existence for over a thousand years. The community originated in the medieval period, when Jews living in the Iberian Peninsula were forced to convert to Christianity or flee the region. Many of these Jews settled in North Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of Europe.

Over time, Sephardic Jews developed distinct cultural traditions and practices that were influenced by the places they settled. For example, Sephardic Jews who lived in the Ottoman Empire were heavily influenced by Turkish culture, while those who lived in Morocco were influenced by North African culture.

Today, Sephardic Jews can be found all over the world, with significant populations in Israel, Turkey, the United States, and South America. In Israel, Sephardic Jews make up a significant percentage of the total Jewish population.

When did the Sephardic Jews come into existence?

The Sephardic Jewish community has a long and complex history that spans over a thousand years. The community originated in the medieval period, when Jews living in the Iberian Peninsula were forced to convert to Christianity or flee the region. Many of these Jews settled in North Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of Europe.

Over time, Sephardic Jews developed distinct cultural traditions and practices that were influenced by the places they settled. The Sephardic Jewish community has experienced numerous migrations, exiles, and persecutions throughout its history, but has managed to maintain its cultural identity and traditions.

Where are the Sephardic Jews located?

Sephardic Jews have a diverse and widespread global presence. The largest Sephardic Jewish population is in Israel, where Sephardic Jews make up a significant percentage of the total Jewish population. Other countries with substantial Sephardic Jewish populations include Turkey, France, Morocco, and the United States.

In conclusion, the Sephardic Jewish community has a rich and complex history, cultural identity, and traditions that are distinct from Ashkenazi Jews.

The Abravanel, Duarte, and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation is committed to preserving and promoting Sephardic culture and history through education, research, and outreach. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of who the Sephardic Jews are, where they come from, and their cultural significance.