JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa

10/07/2026

Three years ago, October 7 fell on Simchat Torah. Today we remember the people who were murdered and taken that day, who came from every part of the Jewish world, and we hold their families close.

Swipe to hear Noam Safir speak about her grandfather, Shlomo Mantzur, who survived the Farhud in Iraq and helped found Kibbutz Kissufim.

If October 7, the wars since, or the rise in antisemitism are weighing on you, write to us at [email protected]. We can help connect you with mental health care.

יהי זכרם ברוך

09/30/2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 14th, for JIMENA’s Voices of Distinctions series featuring Dr. Ruth Behar and Joshua Tuininga on “Telling Sephardic Stories in Public Schools.” Registration required — tinyurl.com/VODJoshuaTuiningaRuthBehar

Sharing the Joy of Sephardi Heritage By Ruth Behar Share this article When I began writing my first picture book, Tía Fortuna’s New Home, I wanted to honor my Sephardi heritage by focusing on two characters, an auntie named Tía Fortuna, and her young niece, Estrella. I imagined them spending one...

09/30/2026

Join us Monday, November 16, at UJA-Federation of New York for Building the Future Together: A Convening on Sephardic and Mizrahi Life, Community, and Belonging, presented by JIMENA, the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America and UJA-Federation of New York.

Register: https://bit.ly/sephardiconvening2026

09/29/2026

Why has the relationship between so many Mizrahi Israelis and Likud endured for generations?

Menachem Begin is a major part of that story.

This reel was inspired in part by Mijal Bitton ‘s conversation with Dan Senor on his podcast Call Me Back about the Mizrahi–Ashkenazi relations and its impact on Israeli political life. We highly recommend listening to the full episode.

“ASHKENAZI? IRAQI? JEWS! BROTHERS! FIGHTERS!”

Shared for historical and educational purposes. This post does not constitute an endorsement of Likud, any political party, or any candidate.

09/28/2026

Please join us for our fourth of six Voices of Distinctions virtual sessions— telling Sephardic Stories in Public Schools with special guests author and anthropologist Dr. Ruth Behar and illustrator Joshua Tuininga.

Wednesday October 14, Zoom.
Registration required— tinyurl.com/VODJoshuaTuiningaRuthBehar

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09/24/2026

From the JIMENA family to yours, wishing you a very happy Sukkot 🌴🍋

09/23/2026

JIMENA is proud to welcome the 2026 Educators Cohort of our Sephardic Leaders Fellowship! 🎉

This year’s cohort brings together educators, rabbis, teachers, and educational leaders from across the United States and around the world who are committed to bringing Sephardic and Mizrahi history, culture, and perspectives more fully into Jewish education.

Through the fellowship, these educators will deepen their knowledge, build community with one another, and gain resources to strengthen Sephardic and Mizrahi representation in their classrooms, schools, synagogues, and educational institutions.

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Educators Cohort! 🧡

09/16/2026

As Yom Kippur approaches, we reflect on what we choose to carry forward.

During this season of teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah, help us ensure Sephardic and Mizrahi histories, voices, and experiences continue to be taught, protected, and remembered.

G’mar Hatimah Tovah.

Support JIMENA: https://secure.everyaction.com/Uv9J42KDbU6xYtyH7Rgy8g2

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09/15/2026

Just one more day until our third Voices of Distinctions session, featuring author Sarah Sassoon!
Register here: tinyurl.com/VODSarahSassoon