Definition: Some say Sephardim refers to the descendents Jews who lived in and then were expelled from Spain in the 15th century. The term Sephardim comes from "Sepharad," the Hebrew word for Spain.
Others say Sephardim refers to any Jew who is not Ashkenazi. Sephardim lived in various lands that were part of the Islamic world, including countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
There are wide cultural differences within the Sephardic world. For instance, Portuguese Jews spoke Ladino (a combination of Hebrew and Spanish) while Iraqi Jews spoke Persian. However, a common liturgy and religious customs unify Sephardim from different parts of the world.
The great majority of North American Jews today are Ashkenazic Jews.
More Kosher Vocabulary Words: Glossary of Kosher Terms
Others say Sephardim refers to any Jew who is not Ashkenazi. Sephardim lived in various lands that were part of the Islamic world, including countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
There are wide cultural differences within the Sephardic world. For instance, Portuguese Jews spoke Ladino (a combination of Hebrew and Spanish) while Iraqi Jews spoke Persian. However, a common liturgy and religious customs unify Sephardim from different parts of the world.
The great majority of North American Jews today are Ashkenazic Jews.
More Kosher Vocabulary Words: Glossary of Kosher Terms
Pronunciation: se-far-dim
Also Known As: Sephardic Jews, Sephardi Jews
Alternate Spellings: Sefardim
Examples:
Sephardic cuisine, influenced by Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian cooking, often includes rice, legumes, dried fruits, fish, pastry and exotic spices.
