Our Mission
A living tradition, passed on with pride
We exist to bring knowledge and awareness of the Sephardic heritage to all Jewish students — and to the wider community — in a way that fosters unity among all Jews.
The American Sephardi Federation – South Florida Chapter is dedicated to preserving and sharing the origins, religious customs (minhagim), history, literature, music and traditions of the Sephardic Jewish people. We bring this knowledge particularly to students of Sephardi descent, while sharing it with the whole student body so that Ashkenazi and Sephardi students alike grow up understanding one another.
The Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions are both pure Judaic practice — not sects or movements, but the product of our ancestors’ dispersion across the world. Wherever they settled, our people took on different languages, customs and accents, yet their faith remained, in essence, the same. Teaching these differences with respect — never as “one better than the other” — is at the heart of everything we do.
Our Curriculum
Seven pillars of Sephardic education
The Sephardic Education Program is built on seven areas of study, designed to be woven into the subjects students already learn.
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Religion & Minhagim
The cornerstone of the program: the customs of Sephardic observance, taught alongside Ashkenazi practice with tolerance and understanding. Where possible, a Sephardic minyan and the contributions of great rabbis such as Maimonides and Joseph Caro are highlighted.
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History
The Sephardic component of Jewish history — the Golden Age of Spain, the Diaspora, the Inquisition and Expulsion, the impact of the Holocaust on the Sephardim, and their role in the Americas and in the birth of modern Israel.
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Literature & Sephardi Languages
The poetry and prose of the Golden Age and of modern authors, and the languages of our people — Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), Haketia and Judeo-Arabic — including the proverbs that carry Sephardi wisdom.
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Philosophy
The ideas of thinkers such as Ibn Gabirol, Maimonides and Yehuda Abravanel, introduced thoughtfully through guest speakers and study.
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Customs & Traditions
The family traditions, holidays and culinary heritage of Sephardic communities — from the Moroccan Mimouna to a simulated Shabbat meal — often explored through a Sephardi club and hands-on activities.
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Musical Traditions
The folk songs of the Sephardic and Oriental diaspora, which carry our history and emotion — brought into school choirs and holiday celebrations.
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Contributions to Jewish & Universal Knowledge
Throughout every subject, the lasting contributions of Sephardi scholars, scientists, poets and leaders to both Jewish life and the wider world.
In the Schools
Partnering with educators
We work hand in hand with faculty to build curriculum, provide teaching materials, and bring in guest speakers who can also train teachers. Our goal is never to dictate, but to aid, guide and support — so that Sephardic heritage becomes a natural, lasting part of Jewish education in South Florida.
See how you can help
Be part of preserving this legacy
Your support brings Sephardic heritage to the next generation. Donations are tax-deductible.
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