Sephardic Jews: Who they are and why they matter

Sephardic Jews are the Jewish communities that trace their roots to the Iberian Peninsula — Spain and Portugal — before the expulsions of 1492 and 1497. After those events, many families moved to North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and beyond. If you want a quick picture: think Ladino language, Mediterranean food, synagogues with old Spanish rituals, and communities spread from Morocco to Turkey and Israel.

This tag page gives a clear, useful guide: a short history, cultural markers to recognise, where Sephardic communities live today, and practical tips if you’re researching family roots or planning a visit.

Brief history and key differences

The story starts in medieval Spain, where Jews lived for centuries. After the Reconquista, new rulers pushed for religious unity. In 1492, Spain ordered Jews to convert or leave. Many chose exile and settled in cities across North Africa, the Balkans, and the eastern Mediterranean. Portugal followed with its own expulsions a few years later.

How are Sephardic Jews different from Ashkenazi Jews? The main differences are origin, liturgy, language, and some customs. Sephardic liturgy is slightly different in prayers and tunes. The traditional language, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), blends old Spanish with Hebrew and local words. Food and musical styles also reflect Mediterranean influences: think olive oil, spices, seafood, and songs with a Spanish cadence.

Culture, communities and practical tips

Where do you meet Sephardic communities today? Major centers include Morocco (Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca, Essaouira), Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey (Istanbul), Greece (Thessaloniki’s history), Israel, parts of France and the US (New York, Los Angeles). In many North African towns, old synagogues and cemeteries still point to a long Sephardic presence.

Want to learn Ladino or taste Sephardic food? Look for community centres, online Ladino classes, and cookbooks focused on Sephardic recipes — dishes like borekas, eggplant stews, or almond-based desserts. Sephardic music playlists and local festivals often carry traditional tunes and poems handed down for generations.

Doing family history research? Start with these concrete steps: search civil and synagogue records in local archives, check Ottoman-era documents (many are digitised), look for Ladino documents or Spanish surnames, and use Jewish genealogy groups online. DNA tests can help confirm regional links but pair them with records for stronger proof.

Travel tips: when visiting Morocco or Tunisia, you can visit historic Jewish quarters (mellahs), synagogues, and museums that explain local Jewish life. Respect current community practices and ask before photographing cemeteries or religious services. Local guides with Jewish heritage knowledge make visits more meaningful.

Curious to learn more? Use this tag to find articles, interviews, and guides on Sephardic history, culture, and modern communities. Whether you’re researching family roots, planning a trip, or just exploring Jewish cultures, you’ll find practical info and links to deeper resources right here.