What is serfardi?

Sephardim or Sephardi Jews are descendants of Jews who lived in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) before their expulsion in the late 15th century. The name Sephardim comes from the Hebrew word Sepharad, which refers to Spain.

After the expulsion, many Sephardi Jews settled in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Ottoman Empire, where they established thriving communities and made significant contributions to Jewish culture and scholarship. Sephardi Jews have a distinct set of customs, liturgy, and cuisine that differ from those of Ashkenazi Jews, who come from Eastern and Central Europe.

Today, Sephardi Jews can be found all over the world, with significant communities in Israel, Turkey, Morocco, and the United States. They have preserved their unique traditions and continue to play an important role in Jewish life and culture.