Jewish Languages

Who Are Sephardic Jews?

After their expulsion from Spain in 1492, Sephardic Jews mostly settled in Amsterdam, North Africa and the Middle East.

What Does Mazel Tov Mean?

This popular Jewish phrase of congratulation is a literally a comment on the alignment of the stars.

What is Ladino?

Judeo-Spanish -- also known as Ladino -- mixes 16th-century Spanish, Hebrew, Turkish and other languages.

Why Hebrew is of Central Importance in Judaism

Hebrew is the sacred language of Jewish scripture and prayer and also the language of the modern Jewish state.

Salonican Shavuot Traditions

Sephardic memory and tradition at Shavuot.

Yiddish Theater in Europe

A short-lived yet influential movement.

Who Was Molly Picon?

This Yiddish film and theater star had a versatile career and also did humanitarian work.

Shalom: Peace in Hebrew

Along with truth and justice, peace is among the most hallowed Jewish values.

A Family Ritual for Blessing the New Year

A Sephardic Rosh Hashanah ceremony combines elements of Tashlich and a healing ritual.