Sephardic Jews, also known as Sephardi Jews or Sephardim, and rarely as Iberian Peninsular Jews, are a Jewish diaspora population associated with the historic Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and their descendants. The term "Sephardic" comes from Sepharad, the Hebrew word for Iberia. These communities flourished for centuries in Iberia until they were expelled in the late 15th century. Over time, "Sephardic" has also come to refer more broadly to Jews, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, who adopted Sephardic religious customs and legal traditions, often due to the influence of exiles. In some cases, Ashkenazi Jews who settled in Sephardic communities and adopted their liturgy are also included under this term.
Jews are expelled from Syria
Sephardic Jews, also known as Sephardi Jews or Sephardim, and rarely as Iberian Peninsular Jews, are a Jewish diaspora population associated with the historic Jewish communities of the Iberian...
Historical Significance
Sephardic Jews, also known as Sephardi Jews or Sephardim, and rarely as Iberian Peninsular Jews, are a Jewish diaspora population associated with the historic Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and their descendants.
Events Before
Juw Dekama is elected Potestaat of Frisia
Potestaat was the title of a supposed governor of medieval Friesland. According to the legendary Karelsprivilege, a 14th-century forgery, Charlemagne had first granted the title of potestaat to…
Treaty of Tordesillas: Spain and Portugal divide the New World along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islan
Treaty of Tordesillas: Spain and Portugal divide the New World along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands off the west coast of Africa
First written record of Scotch whisky appears in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, Friar John Cor is listed as the distil
First written record of Scotch whisky appears in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, Friar John Cor is listed as the distiller
King Ferdinand II returns to Naples
King Ferdinand II returns to Naples
French viceroy of Naples Montpensier surrenders
French viceroy of Naples Montpensier surrenders
Events After
Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci leaves for his first voyage to the New World (disputed)
Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci leaves for his first voyage to the New World (disputed)
John Cabot claims parts of North America for England in what is now Eastern Canada, believing he has found Asia in Newfo
John Cabot claims parts of North America for England in what is now Eastern Canada, believing he has found Asia in Newfoundland
Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama departs on his first voyage and becomes the first European to reach India by sea
Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama departs on his first voyage and becomes the first European to reach India by sea
Italian explorer John Cabot returns to Bristol from North America (Newfoundland), becoming the first European to do so s
Italian explorer John Cabot returns to Bristol from North America (Newfoundland), becoming the first European to do so since the Vikings
Explorer John Cabot tells King Henry VII of his trip to "Asia"
Explorer John Cabot tells King Henry VII of his trip to "Asia"
More from the 1490s
Muhammad XII, the last Emir of Granada, surrenders the city of Granada to Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Casti
Muhammad XII, the last Emir of Granada, surrenders the city of Granada to Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, ending the Reconquista and centuries of Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula
Juw Dekama is elected Potestaat of Frisia
Potestaat was the title of a supposed governor of medieval Friesland. According to the legendary Karelsprivilege, a 14th-century forgery, Charlemagne had first granted the title of potestaat to…
Leonardo da Vinci unsuccessfully tests a flying machine
Leonardo da Vinci unsuccessfully tests a flying machine
Louis XII of France after papal divorce marries Anne, Duchess of Brittany to keep duchy for the crown
Louis XII of France after papal divorce marries Anne, Duchess of Brittany to keep duchy for the crown
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on March 12, 1496?
- Sephardic Jews, also known as Sephardi Jews or Sephardim, and rarely as Iberian Peninsular Jews, are a Jewish diaspora population associated with the historic Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and their descendants. The term "Sephardic" comes from Sepharad, the Hebrew word for Iberia. These communities flourished for centuries in Iberia until they were expelled in the late 15th century.
- Why is Jews are expelled from Syria significant?
- Sephardic Jews, also known as Sephardi Jews or Sephardim, and rarely as Iberian Peninsular Jews, are a Jewish diaspora population associated with the historic Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and their descendants.