A Sephardic Jew is a Jewish person whose ancestry traces back to the Iberian Peninsula—mainly Spain and Portugal—before the expulsion of Jews in 1492 (Spain) and 1497 (Portugal). The term “Sephardic” comes from “Sepharad,” a biblical place name later associated with Spain.

After the expulsions, Sephardic Jews scattered throughout the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, Italy, the Netherlands, and eventually the Americas, carrying with them their distinct religious traditions, customs, and language. Many spoke Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), a blend of medieval Spanish with Hebrew, Turkish, Arabic, and other influences.

Over time, the word “Sephardic” has been used more broadly. In some Jewish communities, it refers not only to descendants of Iberian Jews but also to Jews from the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean who share similar liturgical traditions (sometimes called Mizrahi Jews).

Key distinctions of Sephardic Jews include:

Customs & Law: Their religious practices follow Sephardic halakha (Jewish law), which differs in some rulings from Ashkenazi traditions.

Culture & Language: Ladino songs, literature, and folklore preserve their history.

Geographic Roots: Original ties to Spain and Portugal, with later communities in Morocco, Turkey, Greece, the Balkans, and beyond.