Spanish Jews

Spanish Jews or Sephardi Jews are the descendants of the ancient and traditional Jewish communities of Spain. The history of the Jews in Spain stretches back to Biblical times according to Jewish history. Sephardi Jews, also known as Sephardic Jews or simply Sephardim, are a Jewish ethnic division originating from traditionally established communities in the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal).

History

The history of the Jews in Spain dates back to the Roman and Visigothic periods. However, the community experienced a golden age under Islamic rule during the Middle Ages, when Jewish culture and scholarship flourished in Spain. This period ended with the Alhambra Decree in 1492, when the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella, expelled the Jews from the country.

Culture

Spanish Jews have a rich cultural heritage, including the Ladino language, a Romance language derived from Old Spanish, as well as unique customs, music, and cuisine. They have also made significant contributions to various fields, including philosophy, science, and the arts.

Religion

Spanish Jews follow the Sephardic rite, a liturgical tradition that differs in some respects from the Ashkenazi rite. They also have their own religious customs and laws, which are codified in the Shulchan Aruch, a comprehensive guide to Jewish law.

Diaspora

Following the expulsion in 1492, many Spanish Jews settled in North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and other parts of Europe, where they established thriving communities. Today, there are significant Sephardi communities in many countries, including Israel, France, the United States, and Turkey.

Modern Spain and the Sephardi Jews

In recent years, Spain has taken steps to atone for the expulsion of the Jews. In 2015, the Spanish government passed a law granting Spanish citizenship to the descendants of Sephardi Jews expelled in 1492.

See also

• History of the Jews in Spain
• Sephardic law and customs
• Sephardic music
• Sephardic cuisine