Before You Teach
Deepen your understanding of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews before bringing their histories, cultures, and experiences into the classroom. Explore key terms, historical overviews, country-specific resources, and introductions to Jewish languages and traditions, alongside tools for reflecting on how these communities are represented in your school or curriculum. Whether you are new to the subject or expanding your knowledge, these resources help you move beyond generalizations and lay the groundwork for thoughtful, accurate teaching that reflects the diversity of Jewish life.
Who Are Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews?
Start here. A clear introduction to who Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews are, where their communities come from, and why the terms are defined in more than one way. From the study Sephardic & Mizrahi Jews in the USA: Identities, Experiencs, and Communities.
Sephardic and Mizrahi Education Toolkit
A compendium of recommendations, strategies, and resources to help educators learn about Sephardi and Mizrahi heritage and shape inclusive school environments.
Sephardi and Mizrahi History: A Teacher’s Guide
A chronological guide from the rise of Islam through the twentieth century, with suggested readings, videos and lectures for each period.
Cultural Heritage by Country
Discover the Jewish communities of Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen, with photos, food, music and personal stories.
Languages and Names
Learn about Ladino, Judeo-Arabic, Judeo-Persian and other Jewish languages, and how names carry the story of where families have lived.
Bibliography
Recommended books, articles and digital projects on Sephardi and Mizrahi history and culture, for your own reading or for research projects.
School Self-Assessment
For Jewish day schools and congregational programs: 24 reflection questions to help leaders, teachers and families see how fully Sephardi and Mizrahi students and traditions are reflected in their curriculum, programs, language, food, prayer, spaces and staff.