The purported tomb of the prophet Ezra in the Iraqi town of Uzair has been transformed into a Shi’a shrine: the Stars of David have been removed and Islamic symbols dominate the structure. Still, Hebrew writings and symbols remain visible on the walls. According to a member of the local provisional council: “The people of the city welcome Jewish visitors to this shrine, although it was transformed into an Islamic landmark.”
Richard Hidary, Yeshiva University Associate Professor of Jewish History and the Distinguished Rabbinic Fellow at Congregation Shearith Israel: The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, has received the Harry Starr Fellowship in Judaica from Harvard University. During his time at Harvard, Hidary plans on completing a book, Rabbis as Greco-Roman Rhetors: Oratory and Sophistic Education in the Talmud and Midrash, in which he will analyze rabbinic sermons and lectures in the context of the ancient Greek east.
The American Sephardi Federation presents the New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival for its 19th edition from March 10th to 17th 2016 at The Center for Jewish History in New York City (15 West 16th Street). Through the poignant medium of film, the New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival (NYSJFF) provides viewers with an understanding of the rich mosaic culture of Jews from the Middle East and greater Sephardic Diaspora. Contemporary voices steeped in history and tradition are celebrated throughout this week-long series of events, including première screenings, intriguing stories, poignant documentaries, filmmaker Q&As, and Pomegranate Awards ceremony.
Doreen Alhadeff recently returned from Spain as the first American “to reach the final stage of a process that allows Sephardic Jews to become Spanish citizens.” Some Sephardim have not shown interest in the Spanish offer thanks to the demanding language and culture tests, as well as “reluctance to align themselves with a country that kicked out their ancestors.” Alhadeff, however, is excited that she will soon hold a Spanish passport: “To be able to get something that was taken from you was important.”
Doreen Alhadeff speaks last year to the Ladino language class, The Summit at First Hill, Seattle, Washington (Photo courtesy of Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times)
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Come visit ASF’s Leon Levy Gallery at 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
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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).