SEPHARDIC JEWS Meaning and
Definition
-
Sephardic Jews are a distinct group of Jewish people who trace their ancestry back to the Iberian Peninsula, primarily Spain and Portugal. The term "Sephardic" is derived from the Hebrew word "Sepharad," which refers to Spain. These Jews have a rich historical, cultural, and religious heritage that sets them apart from other Jewish communities.
In the late 15th century, Sephardic Jews faced religious persecution during the Spanish Inquisition, and many were forced to either convert to Christianity or flee. They dispersed across various regions, with the majority settling in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Ottoman Empire. Today, Sephardic communities can be found in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey, Israel, and the United States.
Sephardic Jewish culture is characterized by a unique blend of elements from various countries and regions. They have their distinct liturgical traditions, religious practices, language, music, and cuisine. The Ladino language, a variant of Old Spanish, was historically spoken by Sephardic Jews and influenced by Hebrew and other languages.
Sephardic Jews follow the Sephardic legal and religious traditions, which differ from the Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish customs. Their religious practices are primarily based on the Shulchan Aruch, a code of Jewish law written by Rabbi Joseph Karo in the 16th century. Sephardic Jews have their own rituals related to festivals, lifecycle events, and daily practices.
Overall, Sephardic Jews are an integral part of the Jewish diaspora, representing a vibrant and diverse community shaped by centuries of historical events, migrations, and cultural exchanges.
Etymology of SEPHARDIC JEWS
The term "Sephardic Jews" refers to a specific group of Jews descended from the Jews who lived in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) prior to their expulsion in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition. The word "Sephardic" itself comes from the Hebrew word "Sepharad", which is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and is believed to refer to a place in the Biblical era, possibly Spain or a neighboring region.
The Sephardic Jews, after their expulsion from Spain and Portugal, dispersed throughout the Ottoman Empire and other parts of the world, primarily in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans. They developed distinct cultural, religious, and linguistic practices, blending their traditional Sephardic heritage with the influences of their new environments.
