The traditions, stories, and celebrations of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, preserved, shared, and lived today.
For centuries, Jews across the Middle East and North Africa built rich traditions of language, music, food, prayer, and celebration. When nearly one million were forced to leave their homes in the twentieth century, much of that heritage traveled with them, carried in family recipes, melodies, stories, and customs. JIMENA works to preserve this living culture, share it widely, and celebrate it together, so that it continues to grow with each new generation.
Explore by country
Each country page brings together Jewish history, photographs, culture, food, music, videos, personal stories, and articles about a community.
| Algeria | Egypt | Iran | Iraq | Lebanon |
| Libya | Morocco | Syria | Tunisia | Yemen |
More to explore
Printable guides to holidays, life cycle customs, languages, music, food, and ideas, from Shabbat and Mimouna to henna and piyut.
Since 2009, JIMENA has recorded the testimonies of Jews who grew up across the Middle East and North Africa, in their own words.
Films, talks, classes, and celebrations exploring Sephardic and Mizrahi history and culture.
JIMENA's journal of Sephardic and Mizrahi writers, scholars, and artists exploring heritage and contemporary Jewish life.
Recommended books for readers of all ages, from history and memoir to fiction, poetry, and cookbooks.
Celebrate
JIMENA brings Sephardic and Mizrahi culture to life through programs with synagogues, JCCs, Hillels, and community partners.
See what is coming up on our events calendar.
Preserve
Every family carries part of this history. Record a relative's memories, share a recipe or photograph, and help us preserve Sephardic and Mizrahi heritage for future generations. Share your story with JIMENA.