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26 January 2020

The American Sephardi Federation joins our friends and partners at Association Mimouna in expressing our sorrow and sadness at the sudden passing of Dr. Jean Joseph Levy, A”H, who continued the learned and proud legacy of his Father, Simon Levy, founder of the Musée du Judaïsme Marocain in Casablanca, Morocco.
 
Click here to dedicate a future issue in honor or memory of a loved one. 
The Sephardi World Weekly is made possible by generous readers like you. Now there is a new way to show your support. Become a Patron of the Sephardi World Weekly via Patreon and your name will appear in each edition along with timely, thought-provoking articles on Greater Sephardi history, the arts, and current affairs. Thanking you in advance! And thank you to Sephardi World Weekly Patrons Maria Gabriela Borrego Medina and Gwen Zuares!
 
Morocco’s House of Memory spotlights Jewish-Muslim coexistence” 
Staff, The Times of Israel
 
The newly opened Bayt Dakira (“House of Memory”) in the Moroccan coastal city of Essaouira is dedicated to celebrating Morocco’s culture of coexistence between Jews and Muslims. The brainchild of André Azoulay, Senior Councillor to King Mohammed VI and Founder & President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, Bayt Dakira includes  “old photographs, archive footage, musical recordings, traditional dress and religious objects.” Working within “the art of the possible,” Azoulay hopes the Center will constitute an implicit response to the “amnesia, regression and archaism” that has become far too common in the region and wider world. 

On view now at Bayt Dakira: the ASF National Sephardic Library & Archive’s Harry F. Birnholz Collection of Timbuktu Manuscripts. Written by Jewish merchants in Arabic (sometimes with Judeo-Arabic or Hebrew intermixed), the cache of correspondence was rescued and donated to the ASF by a US diplomat ahead of the tragic destruction of much of Mali’s cultural heritage at the hands of Islamists. Essaouira-Mogador was the hub for everything related to Moroccan-Mali-Western African relations during the 19th century and was known as Timbuktu’s port. This collection attests to the historical interconnectedness both of Morocco with the rest of Africa and of Jews with the broader African community.

These topics will be explored at the forthcoming 2nd Jewish Africa Conference in Rabat, Morocco (23-25 March 2020). 

King Mohammed VI meeting Moroccan Jewish star Gad Elmaleh
(Screenshot courtesy of Morocco Channel 1)


King Mohammed VI meeting legendary Moroccan Jewish singer and actress Raymond El Bidaouia (Abecassis)
(Screenshot courtesy of
Morocco Channel 1)


Arabic (and Hebrew) Letter of a  Jewish merchant at Timbuktu
(Photo courtesy of the ASF’s National Sephardic Library & Archives

Neta Elkayam, a Moroccan-Israeli singer, performing in Judeo-Arabic at the Festival des Andalousies Atlantiques, Essaouira, Morocco. Neta also performed for Mr. Azoulay at the 20th NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival 
(Photo courtesy of Soufiane Bouhali/Association Essaouira Mogador
Essaouira is in the Vanguard of the Moroccan Renaissance” 
By Irina Tsukerman, The Times of Israel

A Moroccan cultural revival is underway, and the coastal city of Essaouira, which once boasted a Jewish majority, is in the vanguard. Distinguished son of the city and Founder and President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association André Azoulay’s “will and dedication” have transformed Essaouira into a culture hub with multiple musical festivals year-round—including Islamic liturgical, Classical music, Gnawa (“Moroccan Blues”) grooves, Jazz, and the Andalusian sounds of the Mediterranean—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and now Morocco’s capital for Arts, Culture, and Handicraft: “Just as Morocco is reasserting its African identity… it is also looking to restore the greatness of its own diverse cultural traditions, and with that, to set an example to many of her neighbors and counterparts in other parts of the world. Essaouira is the torch that lights the way….”
 
Special Feature: King Mohammed VI, Commander of All the Faithful, Inaugurates Bayt Dakira
By Teisha Bader, JBS 


Morocco’s King Mohammed VI talking with Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, and her father, the Senior Royal Councillor André Azoulay
(Photo courtesy of Bayt Dakira)

Morocco’s King Muhammad VI, the “Commander of the Faithful,” inaugurated Bayt Dakira on 15 January 2020 with Royal advisors, ministers, and government officials, “Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, German ambassador in Rabat, Gotz Schmidt Bermme, Secretary General of the Jewish Community in Morocco, Serge Berdugo, the Chief Rabbi of Geneva,Yzhak Dayann, Executive Director of the American Sephardi Federation, Jason Guberman and actor and humorist, Gad El Maleh, as well as several high-ranking personalities.”

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI is greeted by the ASF’s Executive Director Jason Guberman (Screenshot courtesy of Morocco Channel 1)
Moroccan King’s Visit to Historic Jewish Center Hailed by Community Leaders as Symbol of Diversity” 
Staff, The Algemeiner
 
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI was blessed by the Chief Rabbi of Casablanca, R’Joseph Israel, while Jewish dignitaries on-hand to celebrate the inauguration of Bayt Dakira: “Dating back to the 19th century, the recently-refurbished museum and house of worship commemorates the role of Judaism in Morocco’s national heritage. Bayt Dakira is home to the Slat Attia synagogue as well as” the Haim and Célia Zafrani Research Center on the History of Relations between Judaism and Islam. Mr. André Azoulay praised the King for protecting Morocco’s diversity, “the central wealth of our country.”
EXCLUSIVE: King’s first Jewish adviser André Azoulay fetes plurality of Moroccan culture” 
i24NEWS
 
In this pre-inauguration interview, Mr. André Azoulay describes how Bayt Dalora preserves a pluralistic Moroccan past: “North African, Jewish, the great Arab-Muslim civilization and also Andalusian” and how he is proud of Moroccan Jews in Israel for preserving elements of their Moroccan identity: “I am always very impressed to see how much emotion and conviction these Moroccans—on the other side of the Mediterranean—claim, protect, and transmit their 'Moroccanity'… it's a real treat, so I say 'Shalom', congratulations and thank you.”
 
Moroccan Royal Counsellor André Azoulay, the 2017 recipient of the ASF’s Pomegranate Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 20th NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival, Bayt Al Dakyra, Essaouira, Morocco
(Photo courtesy of i24NEWS)
Sephardi Gifts:
Our Story: The Jews of Sepharad; Celebrations and Stories
by Lea-Nora Kordova Annette and Eugene Labovitz

Celebrations and Stories, a special publication of the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education with the American Sephardi Federation, is an essential work that enhances the teaching of Sephardi history, traditions, and cultures. 

The life cycle and calendar sections are designed to horizontally connect to the teaching of customs and ceremonies from the Spanish & Portuguese, Syrian, Judeo-Spanish, and Moroccan traditions. Other sections include translations of classic texts and poetry, tales of our history’s heroes, and classroom activities. 

 
A History of Jewish-Muslim Relations: From the Origins to the Present Day
Edited by Abdelwahab Meddeb and Benjamin Stora

This is the first encyclopedic guide to the history of relations between Jews and Muslims around the world from the birth of Islam to today. Richly illustrated and beautifully produced, the book features more than 150 authoritative and accessible articles by an international team of leading experts in history, politics, literature, anthropology, and philosophy. Organized thematically and chronologically, this indispensable reference provides critical facts and balanced context for greater historical understanding and a more informed dialogue between Jews and Muslims.

 
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Upcoming Events or Opportunities:


MusicTalks, Yeshiva University Museum, and the YU Center for Israel Studies present:

Ashes and Dust
A special concert marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day

27 January at 7:30PM
Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City


Featuring Israeli singer Gilad Paz, host Elad Kabilio, and the MusicTalks ensemble, as they reprise the celebrated 1988 album “Ashes and Dust”  (Efer v’Avak) by Yehuda Poliker, exploring the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki (Saloniki), Greece, and the experience of the children of Holocaust survivors.

Presented in cooperation with the American Sephardi Federation and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.


The American Sephardi Federation invites you to 
The 2nd Jewish Africa Conference

Morocco Trip Extension!

 

Please click here to apply now
Applications Close on 1 February 2020!

Trip Dates:  23-29 March 2020

Total in-country tour cost: $2,600.00*
(Early Bird offer ends on 30 January 2020)

Total in-country tour cost: $3,200.00*

(Price after 30 January 2020)

HIGHLIGHTS:

•Experience Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, and Marrakech with scholars and communities members.  

•VIP Access to the 2nd Jewish Africa Conference (23-25 March), featuring African leaders and scholars discussing the role of Jews and the need for Jewish voices in African civil society, the development of Jewish space, perspectives on old and new African Jewish identities, and encounters between Jews and non-Jews in contemporary Africa.


•Explore Moroccan Jewish history, culture, and contemporary life, as well as Mimouna’s pioneering work to perpetuate Morocco’s tradition of tolerance and combat anti-Semitism abroad


*PRICE INCLUDES:

· Welcome & assistance upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohamed V Airport (Roundtrip airfare NOT included)
· 6 Nights / 7 Days in Five Star Hotels (Double-occupancy; Single rooms available upon request for additional cost)
· In-country tour transportation 
· Certified local English speaking tour guide and scholars throughout the whole trip 
· Shabbat experience in Marrakech at Slat Lazama, a Sephardic synagogue founded in 1492 by Jewish refugees expelled by the Alhambra Decree 

· Entrance fees to monuments 
· Kosher breakfasts, lunches, and dinners


~Click here to learn more about the trip, or contact ASF at
212-294-8350
info@americansephardi.org 
~


The American Sephardi Federation presents:

The New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival’s (NYSJFF)
23rd Anniversary Edition

Dedicated to Ike, Molly, & Steven Elias

23 February-2 March 2020
Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City


Pomegranate Award Honorees, Special Filmmaker Appearances, &
7 NY, 2 US, and 2 World Première Films!


Use discount code 
ASF23NYSFF to access special prices!
Early Bird offer ends on 1 February 2020

Passes & Special Nights Schedule Sponsorship Opportunities
 

Schedule at a Glance
 

Sunday, 23 February
1:00PM: Levantine (U.S. Première)
3:00PM: Ma'Abarot
6:00PM: Opening Night 
Red Fields (NY Première)

Monday, 24 February
1:00PM: Stockholm
5:00PM: Say Amen (NY Première) 
7:00PM: Greek Night   
Life Will Smile (NY Première)
Romaniotes: The Greek Jews of Ioannina

Tuesday, 25 February
12:00PM: Shalom Italia
2:00PM: The Hug of Destiny (World Première) 
6:00PM: The Last Jew in the Village (U.S. Première)
8:00PM: Portuguese Night 
The Nun's Kaddish (NY Première)
Sefarad (NY Première)

Wednesday, 26 February
1:00PM: Everytime We Say Goodbye
4:00PM: The Final Hour (U.S. Première) 
7:00PM - Moroccan Night
Where Are You Going Moshé? (NY Première)

Thursday, 27 February
2:00PM: Wanderings: A Journey to Connect
7:00PM: Iraqi Closing Night 
The Wolf of Baghdad (World Première)

Saturday, 29 February
8:00PM: The Syrian Jewish Community: Coming to America (1900-1919)

Monday, 2 March
7:00PM: Mexican Night 
Leona
*At Instituto Cervantes  


Order online or by phone via Brown Paper Tickets:
1.800.838.3006

Discuss Sponsorship or Advertising: Yves@AmericanSephardi.org

Email Inquires:
info@AmericanSephardi.org


The Philos Project and the American Sephardi Federation present:

Nosotros 3.0: Strengthening Bonds Between Jewish and Latino Communities

On view until May 2020

Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City


The Philos Project and the American Sephardi Federation cordially invite you to the third edition of our Latin American classic art exhibit: Nosotros 2019. 

This years exhibit explores the Judtice of Zionism through the lens of Jewish and Latino national liberation struggles for independence from European colonialism. A new collection of art pieces will be revealed, including pieces from master artists Norma Lithgow and Deyvi Pérez. It will be a night of celebration of the shared history and culture of the Jewish and Latin communities.

 and your generous tax-deductible contribution will empower the ASF to fight for Jewish unity and champion the Sephardi voice in Jewish communal affairs at home and abroad, as well as in our programs, publications, and projects. 

Contact us by email to learn about giving opportunities in honor or memory of loved ones

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The American Sephardi Federation is located at the Center for Jewish History (15 West 16th Street, New York, New York, 10011).

www.AmericanSephardi.org | info@AmericanSephardi.org | (212) 294-8350

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