Sephardic Jewish surnames reflect the deep and complex history of Jews from medieval Spain and Portugal and the global diaspora that followed their expulsions in 1492 and 1496. Many of these surnames originated on the Iberian Peninsula before the expulsions, while others were adopted afterward by families who converted under pressure or by those who re‑established Jewish life in new communities across the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Caribbean

Sephardic Jewish names reflect the long, multilingual history of Jews from medieval Spain and Portugal and the wide diaspora that followed their expulsions in 1492 and 1496. Many surnames originated on the Iberian Peninsula before the expulsions, while others were adopted later by families who converted under pressure or by those who re‑established Jewish life in new communities across the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Caribbean. These names fa

The Disputation of Barcelona, held from July 20 to 24, 1263, was a formal debate between the Jewish scholar Nachmanides (Ramban) and the Dominican friar Pablo Christiani, a Jewish convert to Christianity. Convened in the royal palace of King James I of Aragon, the disputation centered on whether the Hebrew Bible supported Christian claims about Jesus as the Messiah. Nachmanides was granted unusual freedom of speech by the king, allowing him to argue forcefully that the messia

Jewish communities were an integral part of the medieval Crown of Aragon, with documented presence as early as the ninth century. They lived in major cities such as Zaragoza, Jaca, Huesca, Barbastro, Daroca, Tarazona, Calatayud, Monzón, and Lleida, where they were governed by special fueros —local laws that granted them protections and a degree of communal autonomy. After the union with Catalonia in 1150, the kingdom became home to numerous and vibrant Jewish communities that

Jewish life in the Crown of Aragon flourished between the 13th and early 14th centuries, a period often described as a “Golden Age” for Aragonese Jewry. Jewish communities were present in the region as early as the ninth century and lived in major cities such as Zaragoza, Jaca, Huesca, Barbastro, and Lleida, where they were governed by special fueros —local laws that granted them protections and a degree of autonomy. Their relationship with the monarchy was shaped by the prin

Jewish communities played a significant and influential role in the medieval Crown of Aragon, where they had been present since at least the ninth century. They lived in major cities such as Zaragoza, Jaca, Huesca, and Lleida, often under special local laws ( fueros ) that granted them certain protections and autonomy. During the reign of Jaime I (13th century), their situation closely resembled that of Jewish communities in southern France, marked by periods of relative stab

Conversos were Jews in medieval Spain and Portugal who converted to Christianity—often under duress—during periods of intense persecution, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries. The term Converso  refers to Jews who, facing violent pogroms and increasing pressure from Christian authorities, converted to Catholicism to avoid expulsion or death. The most significant wave of conversions occurred after the anti-Jewish riots of 1391 and culminated with the Alhambra Decree of 1

Sephardic music, rooted in the traditions of Jews from the Iberian Peninsula, is a rich and evocative blend of cultural influences that span centuries and continents. After the expulsion from Spain in 1492, Sephardic Jews carried their musical heritage to regions like North Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East, where it absorbed elements from local cultures. Characterized by its use of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) lyrics, Sephardic music often features haunting melodies, intric

Each of the four plants— etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadassim (myrtle), and aravot (willow) —represents different aspects of the...

Sukkot, also spelled Zukot, is a Jewish festival with deep historical and spiritual roots. Originating in biblical times, it commemorates...

Ladino, also known as Judeo-Spanish, is a Romance language historically spoken by Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492....

Ladino, also known as Judeo-Spanish, is a Romance language that traces its roots to medieval Spain, where it evolved from Old Castilian...

Barcelona’s Jewish heritage is woven into the very fabric of its historic center, especially within the Gothic Quarter. The heart of this...

Barcelona hosts a vibrant array of Jewish cultural celebrations throughout the year, blending history, community, and creativity in truly...

Barcelona’s Jewish history is rich with influential figures who helped shape the city’s intellectual and spiritual legacy, especially...

Barcelona’s Jewish history is deeply woven into the city’s medieval fabric, especially within the Gothic Quarter, where the ancient...

For Jewish observants visiting Barcelona, the city offers a rich blend of heritage, community, and kosher amenities. Begin your journey...

Barcelona offers a rich tapestry of Jewish history woven into its architecture, museums, and cultural centers. A must-visit is the...

Days in the Hebrew calendar begin at sunset , not midnight. So Shabbat , the weekly day of rest, starts Friday evening and ends Saturday...

Barcelona is home to several synagogues that reflect its rich Jewish heritage. The Major Synagogue of Barcelona , located in the historic...