Sefardic

The term "Sefardic" refers to the Jewish communities that originated in the Iberian Peninsula, which includes present-day Spain and Portugal. The Sefardic Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492 and from Portugal in 1497, following the Alhambra Decree issued by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. This event marked the beginning of the Sefardic diaspora, as many Jews fled to North Africa, the Middle East, and eventually to other parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Sefardic Jews have a rich cultural heritage, with their own distinct language, Sephardic Ladino, which is a Romance language with a significant Hebrew influence. They have also contributed significantly to the arts, literature, and science of the communities they settled in. Sefardic Jews are known for their unique customs and traditions, which often blend Jewish and local cultural elements.

The Sefardic community is characterized by its strong sense of identity and continuity, despite the long history of dispersion. They maintain their Jewish faith and traditions, while also adapting to the cultural and religious environments of their new homes. Today, Sefardic Jews can be found in various countries around the world, each with its own unique history and cultural expressions.