Sefard

Sefard, often rendered Sephard, refers to Sephardic Jews, the descendants of Jewish communities that historically lived on the Iberian Peninsula (today Spain and Portugal). The term also encompasses the Ladino language and the distinctive religious and cultural traditions that developed among these communities. The name derives from Sepharad, a biblical or medieval term commonly identified with Iberia.

Historically, Sephardic Jews flourished in medieval Iberia, contributing to philosophy, science, commerce, and culture. Following the expulsion of Jews in 1492 under the Alhambra Decree, many Sephardim fled to the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, Italy, and other regions. In those places they established enduring communities in cities such as Thessaloniki, Salonica, Smyrna, Livorno, and Amsterdam, often maintaining a shared liturgical heritage while integrating local customs.

Culturally, Sephardic Jews developed the Ladino language, a Judeo-Spanish vernacular that blended Old Spanish with Hebrew and other linguistic elements. Ladino has been used in literature, music, and daily life, though its use has declined in many communities. Sephardic religious practice includes a distinct rite and prayer tradition, known as the Sephardic nusach, which differs from Ashkenazi practices in text, pronunciation, and melodies. Many Sephardic communities also retain specific customs around holidays, dietary laws, and family life.

In the modern era, Sephardic Jews are widely dispersed, with large communities in Israel, the United States, France, Turkey, and North Africa. While sometimes grouped with Mizrahi communities, Sephardim preserve a unique Iberian-influenced historical and cultural identity, including ongoing efforts to preserve Ladino and other traditions.