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About Sephardi Spaces

Welcome to the Sephardi Spaces Project, an innovative digital initiative dedicated to exploring and preserving the rich tapestry of Sephardic Jewish identity through the ages. At the heart of our project is a commitment to understanding the complex narratives of Sephardic Jews, from the tumultuous times of the Spanish Expulsion in 1492 to the present day. Our mission is to illuminate the enduring legacy of Sephardic communities, their struggles, triumphs, and the multifaceted identity that has evolved over a millennium.

 

In 2015, Spain’s groundbreaking legislation opened the doors for descendants of the expelled Jews to reclaim their citizenship, sparking a global resurgence of interest in Sephardic heritage.

The voices of Sephardic Jews and Judeoconversos enrich our understanding of their history and cultural contributions. Yet, there remains a gap in the systematic inclusion of experiences from earlier periods.

 

The Sephardi Spaces Project seeks to bridge this gap by adopting a nuanced, inclusive, and transdisciplinary approach. We delve into autobiographical testimonials, the most authentic yet subjective documents, to explore the intricacies of Sephardic identity, including trauma, identity formation, and the preservation of languages such as Ladino, Haketia, and Judeoespañol. Our exploration spans from the Old World to the New, shedding light on the enduring spirit of the Sephardic people.

Our team, scholars with deep personal and academic ties to the Sephardic community, bring a wealth of expertise to this endeavor. Drawing from a rich scholarly background and personal history, the project is inspired by the journey of individuals like Uriel da Costa, whose life story exemplifies the complex interplay of cultural, spiritual, and physical transformations within the Sephardic experience.

The Sephardi Spaces Project is not just an academic endeavor; it is an accessible online platform that serves as a digital archive for the public, scholars, and educators alike. It offers an invaluable resource for understanding Sephardic history and identity, featuring interactive Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that visualize the migrations and transformations of Sephardic Jews over centuries.

This collaborative flow map and database are designed to not only preserve but also to celebrate the rich heritage of Sephardic Jews, providing insights into their survival, language preservation, and the intricate sense of belonging amidst conversion, migration, and tradition preservation.

 

Join us on this fascinating journey through time and space, as we uncover the stories of Sephardic Jews and their indelible mark on history. The Sephardi Spaces Project is more than a database—it is a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Sephardic culture, a bridge connecting past, present, and future generations.

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