Brigitte Sion will guide you through the history of the descendants of Spanish Jewry—a history of secrecy, forced conversion, exile, dispersion, and endurance—and examine the state of the Sephardic community today. Learn about the welcome these Jews received in other countries and how they flourished in diaspora. Dr. Sion will also introduce you to their language, literature, traditions and customs, discuss the evolution of Sephardic heritage in exile, and examine the contemporary phenomenon of ‘museumization’ and Spain's relationship to its Jewish past. Brigitte Sion is assistant professor/ faculty fellow at NYU’s Religious Studies Program. She was born in Switzerland to Sephardic parents.

This funny, sad and touching Moroccan film - (in French, Ou vas-tu, Moshe?) - dramatizes the last days of the large Jewish community in Morocco as they prepare to move en masse to Israel in the early 1960’s. Set in a small rural community in Bejaad, the film deals with the historical-political realities following the end of French rule in Morocco through the story of Jews and Muslims struggling to deal with these realities after centuries of living together as neighbors and friends. A conversation about the experience of the Jews of Morocco will follow with Peter Geffen, founder and director of Kivunim and (we hope!) Raphael Elmaleh, the only Jewish guide in Morocco. A Film by Hassan Benjelloun (90 minutes, English subtitles, 2007)

Join award winning writer Charles London as he speaks about his fascinating new book that blends history, geography, politics and personal memoir. His Journey across the globe reveals Jewish communities living their faith in inspiring ways—and in Surprising Places. Feeling little connection to the faith or its people until he goes on a year-long quest to seek out Jewish communities around the world, the journey is both physical and spiritual and London travels thousands of miles while exploring the depths of his own soul. Co-sponsored with Be’chol Lashon.

Join Romiel Daniel, president of the Jewish Indian Congregation of USA and other members of his community for a Purim celebration. Enjoy ethnic Indian and Israeli dancing along with a Bollywood DJ. Dress up as a character from the Purim story or come as yourself. Indian cuisine served. Co-sponsored with the Indian-Jewish Congregation of USA.

The diversity of Turkish culture is reflected in its rich musical traditions. Join us for a delightful afternoon with Ahmet Erdogdular, a world renowned musician, who will present songs composed by the 18th century Ottoman Jewish composer Tanburi Izek and interpret the singing style of Izak Algazi, a cantor in an Istanbul synagogue during the late Ottoman Empire. The Jewish-Turkish tradition will be represented by Upper West Sider Daisy Sadaka Braverman, a Turkish-American linguist, actress/director, and singer, who will offer songs in Ladino or Judeo-Spanish, a language unique to Sephardic Jews, especially those of Greece and Turkey. The afternoon will include Turkish desserts! Co-sponsored by The Turkish Cultural Center.