26 January 2020
The American Sephardi Federation joins our friends and partners at Association Mimouna in expressing our sorrow and sadness at the sudden passing of Dr. Jean Joseph Levy, A”H, who continued the learned and proud legacy of his Father, Simon Levy, founder of the Musée du Judaïsme Marocain in Casablanca, Morocco.
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“Morocco’s House of Memory spotlights Jewish-Muslim coexistence”
Staff, The Times of Israel
The newly opened Bayt Dakira (“House of Memory”) in the Moroccan coastal city of Essaouira is dedicated to celebrating Morocco’s culture of coexistence between Jews and Muslims. The brainchild of André Azoulay, Senior Councillor to King Mohammed VI and Founder & President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, Bayt Dakira includes “old photographs, archive footage, musical recordings, traditional dress and religious objects.” Working within “the art of the possible,” Azoulay hopes the Center will constitute an implicit response to the “amnesia, regression and archaism” that has become far too common in the region and wider world.
King Mohammed VI meeting Moroccan Jewish star Gad Elmaleh
(Screenshot courtesy of Morocco Channel 1)
On view now at Bayt Dakira: the ASF National Sephardic Library & Archive’s Harry F. Birnholz Collection of Timbuktu Manuscripts. Written by Jewish merchants in Arabic (sometimes with Judeo-Arabic or Hebrew intermixed), the cache of correspondence was rescued and donated to the ASF by a US diplomat ahead of the tragic destruction of much of Mali’s cultural heritage at the hands of Islamists. Essaouira-Mogador was the hub for everything related to Moroccan-Mali-Western African relations during the 19th century and was known as Timbuktu’s port. This collection attests to the historical interconnectedness both of Morocco with the rest of Africa and of Jews with the broader African community.
Arabic (and Hebrew) Letter of a Jewish merchant at Timbuktu
(Photo courtesy of the ASF’s National Sephardic Library & Archives)
These topics will be explored at the forthcoming 2nd Jewish Africa Conference in Rabat, Morocco (23-25 March 2020).
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“Essaouira is in the Vanguard of the Moroccan Renaissance”
By Irina Tsukerman, The Times of Israel
Neta Elkayam, a Moroccan-Israeli singer, performing in Judeo-Arabic at the Festival des Andalousies Atlantiques, Essaouira, Morocco. Neta also performed for Mr. Azoulay at the 20th NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival
(Photo courtesy of Soufiane Bouhali/Association Essaouira Mogador)
A Moroccan cultural revival is underway, and the coastal city of Essaouira, which once boasted a Jewish majority, is in the vanguard. Distinguished son of the city and Founder and President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association André Azoulay’s “will and dedication” have transformed Essaouira into a culture hub with multiple musical festivals year-round—including Islamic liturgical, Classical music, Gnawa (“Moroccan Blues”) grooves, Jazz, and the Andalusian sounds of the Mediterranean—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and now Morocco’s capital for Arts, Culture, and Handicraft: “Just as Morocco is reasserting its African identity… it is also looking to restore the greatness of its own diverse cultural traditions, and with that, to set an example to many of her neighbors and counterparts in other parts of the world. Essaouira is the torch that lights the way….”
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Special Feature: King Mohammed VI, Commander of All the Faithful, Inaugurates Bayt Dakira
By Teisha Bader, JBS
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI talking with Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, and her father, the Senior Royal Councillor André Azoulay
(Photo courtesy of Bayt Dakira)
Morocco’s King Muhammad VI, the “Commander of the Faithful,” inaugurated Bayt Dakira on 15 January 2020 with Royal advisors, ministers, and government officials, “Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, German ambassador in Rabat, Gotz Schmidt Bermme, Secretary General of the Jewish Community in Morocco, Serge Berdugo, the Chief Rabbi of Geneva,Yzhak Dayann, Executive Director of the American Sephardi Federation, Jason Guberman and actor and humorist, Gad El Maleh, as well as several high-ranking personalities.”
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“Moroccan King’s Visit to Historic Jewish Center Hailed by Community Leaders as Symbol of Diversity”
Staff, The Algemeiner
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI is greeted by the ASF’s Executive Director Jason Guberman (Screenshot courtesy of Morocco Channel 1)
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI was blessed by the Chief Rabbi of Casablanca, R’Joseph Israel, while Jewish dignitaries on-hand to celebrate the inauguration of Bayt Dakira: “Dating back to the 19th century, the recently-refurbished museum and house of worship commemorates the role of Judaism in Morocco’s national heritage. Bayt Dakira is home to the Slat Attia synagogue as well as” the Haim and Célia Zafrani Research Center on the History of Relations between Judaism and Islam. Mr. André Azoulay praised the King for protecting Morocco’s diversity, “the central wealth of our country.”
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“EXCLUSIVE: King’s first Jewish adviser André Azoulay fetes plurality of Moroccan culture”
i24NEWS
Moroccan Royal Counsellor André Azoulay, the 2017 recipient of the ASF’s Pomegranate Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 20th NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival, Bayt Al Dakyra, Essaouira, Morocco
(Photo courtesy of i24NEWS)
In this pre-inauguration interview, Mr. André Azoulay describes how Bayt Dalora preserves a pluralistic Moroccan past: “North African, Jewish, the great Arab-Muslim civilization and also Andalusian” and how he is proud of Moroccan Jews in Israel for preserving elements of their Moroccan identity: “I am always very impressed to see how much emotion and conviction these Moroccans—on the other side of the Mediterranean—claim, protect, and transmit their 'Moroccanity'… it's a real treat, so I say 'Shalom', congratulations and thank you.”
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Our Story: The Jews of Sepharad; Celebrations and Stories
by Lea-Nora Kordova Annette and Eugene Labovitz
Celebrations and Stories, a special publication of the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education with the American Sephardi Federation, is an essential work that enhances the teaching of Sephardi history, traditions, and cultures.
The life cycle and calendar sections are designed to horizontally connect to the teaching of customs and ceremonies from the Spanish & Portuguese, Syrian, Judeo-Spanish, and Moroccan traditions. Other sections include translations of classic texts and poetry, tales of our history’s heroes, and classroom activities.
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Upcoming Events or Opportunities:
MusicTalks, Yeshiva University Museum, and the YU Center for Israel Studies present:
A special concert marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day
27 January at 7:30PM
Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City
Featuring Israeli singer Gilad Paz, host Elad Kabilio, and the MusicTalks ensemble, as they reprise the celebrated 1988 album “Ashes and Dust” (Efer v’Avak) by Yehuda Poliker, exploring the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki (Saloniki), Greece, and the experience of the children of Holocaust survivors.
Presented in cooperation with the American Sephardi Federation and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.
The American Sephardi Federation invites you to
The 2nd Jewish Africa Conference
&
Please click here to apply now
Applications Close on 1 February 2020!
Trip Dates: 23-29 March 2020
Total in-country tour cost: $2,600.00*
(Early Bird offer ends on 30 January 2020)
Total in-country tour cost: $3,200.00*
(Price after 30 January 2020)
HIGHLIGHTS:
•Experience Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, and Marrakech with scholars and communities members.
•VIP Access to the 2nd Jewish Africa Conference (23-25 March), featuring African leaders and scholars discussing the role of Jews and the need for Jewish voices in African civil society, the development of Jewish space, perspectives on old and new African Jewish identities, and encounters between Jews and non-Jews in contemporary Africa.
•Explore Moroccan Jewish history, culture, and contemporary life, as well as Mimouna’s pioneering work to perpetuate Morocco’s tradition of tolerance and combat anti-Semitism abroad
*PRICE INCLUDES:
· Welcome & assistance upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohamed V Airport (Roundtrip airfare NOT included)
· 6 Nights / 7 Days in Five Star Hotels (Double-occupancy; Single rooms available upon request for additional cost)
· In-country tour transportation
· Certified local English speaking tour guide and scholars throughout the whole trip
· Shabbat experience in Marrakech at Slat Lazama, a Sephardic synagogue founded in 1492 by Jewish refugees expelled by the Alhambra Decree
· Entrance fees to monuments
· Kosher breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
~Click here to learn more about the trip, or contact ASF at
212-294-8350
The American Sephardi Federation presents:
The New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival’s (NYSJFF)
Dedicated to Ike, Molly, & Steven Elias
23 February-2 March 2020
Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City
Pomegranate Award Honorees, Special Filmmaker Appearances, &
7 NY, 2 US, and 2 World Première Films!
Use discount code ASF23NYSFF to access special prices!
Early Bird offer ends on 1 February 2020
Passes & Special Nights | Schedule | Sponsorship Opportunities
Sunday, 23 February
1:00PM: Levantine (U.S. Première)
3:00PM: Ma'Abarot
6:00PM: Opening Night
Red Fields (NY Première)
Monday, 24 February
1:00PM: Stockholm
5:00PM: Say Amen (NY Première)
7:00PM: Greek Night
Life Will Smile (NY Première)
Romaniotes: The Greek Jews of Ioannina
Tuesday, 25 February
12:00PM: Shalom Italia
2:00PM: The Hug of Destiny (World Première)
6:00PM: The Last Jew in the Village (U.S. Première)
8:00PM: Portuguese Night
The Nun's Kaddish (NY Première)
Sefarad (NY Première)
Wednesday, 26 February
1:00PM: Everytime We Say Goodbye
4:00PM: The Final Hour (U.S. Première)
7:00PM - Moroccan Night
Where Are You Going Moshé? (NY Première)
Thursday, 27 February
2:00PM: Wanderings: A Journey to Connect
7:00PM: Iraqi Closing Night
The Wolf of Baghdad (World Première)
Saturday, 29 February
8:00PM: The Syrian Jewish Community: Coming to America (1900-1919)
Monday, 2 March
7:00PM: Mexican Night
*At Instituto Cervantes
Order online or by phone via Brown Paper Tickets:
1.800.838.3006
Discuss Sponsorship or Advertising: Yves@AmericanSephardi.org
Email Inquires:
The Philos Project and the American Sephardi Federation present:
Nosotros 3.0: Strengthening Bonds Between Jewish and Latino Communities
On view until May 2020
Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City
The Philos Project and the American Sephardi Federation cordially invite you to the third edition of our Latin American classic art exhibit: Nosotros 2019.
This years exhibit explores the Judtice of Zionism through the lens of Jewish and Latino national liberation struggles for independence from European colonialism. A new collection of art pieces will be revealed, including pieces from master artists Norma Lithgow and Deyvi Pérez. It will be a night of celebration of the shared history and culture of the Jewish and Latin communities.
Donate now and your generous tax-deductible contribution will empower the ASF to fight for Jewish unity and champion the Sephardi voice in Jewish communal affairs at home and abroad, as well as in our programs, publications, and projects.
Contact us by email to learn about giving opportunities in honor or memory of loved ones