Francis Salvador was a Sephardi Jew whose family emigrated from mainland England to the American colonies in the 18th century. On 11 January 1775, Salvador became the first Jew to be elected to an American colonial legislature, only to become the first Jewish soldier killed in the American War of Independence soon thereafter, when ambushed by Cherokees and British loyalists.
The İştipol Synagogue, originally established at the end of the 17th century, closed its doors 65 years ago. On 8 January, the synagogue reopened, and after the Morning Prayer service, Turkey's Chief Rabbi, Ishak Haleva, celebrated the event in broadly ecumenical terms: “It is our responsibility to protect this holy place. Let’s come to all places of worship including this to express our gratitude to God for his mercy and beauty.”
Patrons reviewing ASF’s collection during Sephardic Journeys: An Evening of Exploration, an event that celebrated the launch of the eponymous exhibit in The David Berg Rare Book Room, 28 May 2015 (Photo Courtesy of Aron Biel)
Google’s Cultural Institute has published an online version of Sephardic Journeys, a Center for Jewish History with American Sephardi Federation exhibit that was on view in The David Berg Rare Book Room from April to June 2015. Sephardim were driven—sometimes by choice, too frequently by force—to transcend borders and barriers. The rare books and artifacts in Sephardic Journeys reflect a rich scholarly tradition and invite reflection upon the physical, emotional, and spiritual journeys of Jewish history.
In 1948, food was rationed in Israel. Today, the Jewish State is at the cutting age of a “culinary revolution.” How was it possible for “Israel [to] go from culinary desert to gourmet destination in such little time?” Israel's technological ingenuity overcame the problem of scarcity, while the country’s amazing diversity made for an eclectic mix in the kitchen: “Sephardic Jews… brought stuffed vegetables and bourekas. Ashkenazi Jews… brought bagels and rugelach; and Mizrahi Jews … brought spicy dishes like shakshouka. Their cooking styles co-mingled with the Arabic dishes of the Middle East… to create a true melting pot.”
Shakshouka, prepared with bell peppers, tomatoes, eggs, and spices (Photo courtesy of Calliopejen1/Wikimedia)
January 17th, 19th, and 21st
at The Center for Jewish History
15 West 16th Street, New York, NY
Back by popular demand, the American Sephardi Federation invites you to David Serero’s The Merchant of Venice. Playing to sold-out shows in the summer, the French-Moroccan baritone opera singer once again directs and stars (as Shylock) in his Sephardi adaptation of Shakespeare’s play about love, commerce, and bigotry. Featuring a diverse cast and Sephardi music. Opening night is on January 17th.
Come visit ASF’s Leon Levy Gallery at The Center for Jewish History (15 West 16th Street) to view our new exhibition: “Baghdadis & The Bene Israel in Bollywood & Beyond: Indian Jews in the Movies”
on display now through March 2016
Click here for viewing hours and additional information
The American Sephardi Federation invites you to experience
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The American Sephardi Federation's Sephardi House is located at the Center for Jewish History (15 West 16th St., New York, New York, 10011).