The Jewish community of Alandalús gave the world extraordinary thinkers like Maimonides, diplomats like Ibn Shaprut, and poets like Ibn Gabirol and Judah Halevi, whose wisdom, works, and accomplishments resonate through the ages. 820 years after his death, the RAMBAM’s contributions to medicine, philosophy, diplomacy, and Jewish law continue to inspire wonder and influence till today. Across the Mediterranean in Fustat (Cairo) about two hundred thousand documents accumulated in the Ben Ezra Synagogue’s Genizah—a room or grave where obsolete sacred documents are respectfully discarded—over the course of nearly a millennium.

As part of this exhibition’s innovative approach, visitors are invited to go beyond traditional displays through a cutting-edge XR/AI immersive experience. A highlight of this component is an interactive, AI-generated avatar of Maimonides himself—brought to life through his own writings—who responds to questions about philosophy, medicine, and Jewish law. Guests can virtually step into a medieval synagogue inspired by Toledo’s El Tránsito, listen to Judeo-Spanish music, and explore a fully immersive digital recreation of Andalusian Jewish life. These technologies allow us to not only showcase history but to walk through it, offering a vivid and emotional connection to the Sephardic legacy that traditional exhibitions alone cannot achieve.

In addition to our main activities, the Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies at the University of Miami offers an enriching program in Sephardic Studies. Each year, we open courses that enter the vibrant cultural history, literature, heritage, and lasting legacy of the Jewish communities expelled from the Iberian Peninsula. Our courses are designed to explore the profound contributions and narratives of the Sephardic Jews, providing students and scholars alike with a deep understanding of their enduring impact on the world. This engaging curriculum is perfect for anyone eager to discover the rich traditions of Sephardic life and its significant influence across centuries.

The geographical location of Egypt, a natural bridge between the Islamic East and Christian West, made it possible for many of these documents to be of Andalusian origin. This exhibition, curated by the University of Granada Professor José Martínez Delgado, takes us on a journey from the origins of this important community to its exodus and migration across the continents. Although subsequently scattered all over the world, Sepharadim have maintained connections to their past by perpetuating traditions, the Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) language, and exemplifying a seriously Jewish yet cosmopolitan worldview.

The exhibition has been organized by Centro Sefarad-Israel, with the collaboration of Casa del Mediterráneo, the Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, and The George Feldenkers Program in Judaic Studies of the University of Miami, the Red de Juderías de España, the World Jewish Congress, Fundación Hispano Judía, and the American Sephardi Federation. It also has the support of Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – European Union and Cooperation, the Community of Madrid, the Madrid City Council, ElAl, Instituto Cervantes, the University of Cambridge, the University of Granada, Trinity College Dublin, and the European Research Council.

For more information: https://news.miami.edu/stories/2025/02/the-golden-age-of-the-jews-of-al-andalus.html

RSVP for a Guided Tour: https://forms.gle/5bXwFtPcaURYxZ658