Sephardic Jews

The term Sephardi (Hebrew: ספרדי, Sefaradi; Ladino: Sefaradi) refers to Jews descended from the Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) and their diaspora communities. The term is derived from Sefarad, a biblical location whose identification with Spain dates to the Middle Ages. Sephardic Jews have a rich cultural and religious heritage, with distinct traditions, customs, and liturgy that set them apart from other Jewish communities, such as the Ashkenazi. The Sephardic diaspora was largely a result of the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, following the Alhambra Decree, which led to the dispersal of Sephardic communities across North Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, and other parts of Europe. Over time, Sephardic Jews have made significant contributions to various fields, including law, science, and the arts, and their cultural legacy continues to be celebrated and preserved.

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Sephardic Jews

Jewish diaspora of Spain and Portugal

Sephardic Jews, also known as Sephardi Jews or Sephardim, and rarely as Iberian Peninsular Jews, are a Jewish diaspora population associated with the historic Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula and their descendants. The term "Sephardic" comes from Sepharad, the Hebrew word for Iberia. These communities flourished for centuries in Iberia until they were expelled in the late 15th century. Over time, "Sephardic" has also come to refer more broadly to Jews, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, who adopted Sephardic religious customs and legal traditions, often due to the influence of exiles. In some cases, Ashkenazi Jews who settled in Sephardic communities and adopted their liturgy are also included under this term. Today, Sephardic Jews form a major component of the global Jewish population, with the largest population living in Israel.

Last modified: 2025-11-17T19:22:21ZView full article on Wikipedia