Becky Benaroya z'L Rebecca (Becky) Benaroya, the first-generation Sephardic Jewish woman whose love of the Jewish community, art, children, and the city of Seattle touched countless institutions and individuals, died on February 25th, 2026. She was 103. Becky was born at Seattle’s Providence Hospital January 14th, 1923, the second child and first daughter to Yuda (Joe) Benoun, an immigrant from the Island of Rhodes, and Dona Adatto Benoun, an immigrant from Tekirdag, Turkey.

Campers during Israel Day at Sephardic Adventure Camp When Yitzchak Hasson arrived at Sephardic Adventure Camp this summer, he had already traveled halfway around the world — not just across oceans, but across cultures and communities.A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Yitzchak joined SAC as a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) for the first time, bringing with him the warmth and pride of South Africa’s Sephardic community. “Two years ago, we had someone from Seattle visit South A

As a middle and highschooler, I have memories of my grandfather, Sol Niego z”l, a former Central Council and Scholarship Committee member, carrying around Sephardic Scholarship applications in case he had a moment to review them. He spoke highly of each applicant, in awe of all their accomplishments and happy that the future of Sephardic Jewry was in their hands. Therefore, receiving scholarships for the past two years from the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America is an en

Keridos Ermanos i Ermanas, As we welcome the season of renewal and prepare to celebrate Passover—a time that reminds us of resilience, faith, and shared destiny—I write to you with deep gratitude and pride. This year marks a remarkable milestone: the 110th anniversary of our Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America. One hundred and ten years of tradition.One hundred and ten years of service.One hundred and ten years of unity.One hundred and ten years of familya —family. Our

We’ve had a packed Fall and Winter of activities in the NYC Metropolitan Area! Our season was highlighted by a vibrant Sephardic Young Professionals Hanukkah Party in New York City, which brought together over 100 participants for an evening of celebration, culture, and community. The program featured live Greek and Israeli music by Avram Pengas, creating an energetic and joyful atmosphere. Guests enjoyed homemade Sephardic bimuelos and keftikas, showcasing the warmth and fla

Welcome from Eitan Danon, DC Chapter President, at the Inaugural DC Ladino Day Our newest Brotherhood chapter has been busy this fall and winter with some exciting programs. Our inaugural DC Ladino Day was a fantastic success! We held a joyful celebration in November of Sephardic language, culture, and community, bringing together more than 100 attendees for an unforgettable day of learning and connection. The program featured engaging presentations on the basics of Ladino, a

Rabbi Daniel Bouskila (far left) and Neil Sheff (far right) at the LA Sephardic Film Festival There's been a meaningful and impactful season of programming for the Los Angeles Sephardic Community, highlighted by the continued success of the spectacular Los Angeles Sephardic Jewish Film Festival, presented by the Sephardic Educational Center (SEC). Established in 1997, the festival has become a cornerstone cultural event that showcases the beauty and diversity of Sephardic Jew

On Sunday afternoon December 21, 2025, the Sephardi Federation of Palm Beach County (FL) celebrated the final two days of Hanukkah, and the installation of a new slate of board of directors, at our annual Hanukkah luncheon, at a local Greek restaurant. Rose Papo Allen, President of the SFPBC, served as the master of ceremonies at the event, which was attended by more than 40 members and guests. Large candles were placed on an impressive brass Hanukkiah, for all in the room t

A special place sits in my heart for my Sephardic roots. And I don’t think I’m the only one who feels that way. My father, grandfather, great-grandfather — and the ancestors we trace back all the way to pre-Inquisition Spain — must feel it too. When I received four years’ worth of Brotherhood academic scholarships, I like to think that my ancestors had a lot of joy, muncha alegría. When I think back on those scholarships, I don’t only think about the financial help. I think

Rachel Nahmias Kornberg z”L Rachel Nahmias Kornberg, age 108, died peacefully in her sleep on January 10, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. Rachel was born on October 7, 1917, in Salonika, the fourth of five children born to Avram and Matil Nahmias. Soon after, her family relocated to Monastir (Bitola), where they lived until the war. Rachel’s family owned a successful fabric store and lived comfortably among their neighbors. As a child, Rachel attended the Alliance Israélite U

Haham Bashi (Chief Rabbi) David Sevi in the formal jube (robe) of the Chief Rabbi of Turkey Turkey’s Jewish community has welcomed its new chief rabbi, David Sevi, installing him in the post yesterday in a ceremony at Istanbul’s Neve Shalom synagogue, nearly a year after the death of his predecessor, Isak Haleva. Sevi, 70, who had served as the acting chief rabbi since Haleva’s death on January 14, is the fourth hakham bashi (chief rabbi of Turkey) since the founding of the R

Lena Goren Casuto z”L It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lena Goren (nee Casuto) at the age of 96, one of only a handful of Greek Jewish Holocaust survivors from the city of Larissa, Greece. Lena was born in Salonika, Greece in 1930. Her family moved to Larissa when her father Haham Isaac Casuto became the Rabbi of the city. When she was nine years old, Italy and Greece entered World War II. Luftwaffe planes began dropping bombs on the city, and the mayo

Our International Sephardic Community Gala was nothing short of exhilarating—a joyous, moving, and deeply meaningful celebration that marked the official launch of our 110th anniversary year. More than a Gala, the evening was a powerful testament to Sephardic continuity, resilience, and pride, bringing together generations of community members to honor our shared past and boldly affirm our future. Over 250 guests gathered for this extraordinary evening, representing Sephardic

Architectural rendering of the Holocaust Museum in Greece Thessaloniki, Greece — After decades of waiting, the Holocaust Museum of Greece will finally open its doors in 2026 on the city’s waterfront. The eight-story museum, located between the port, the historic White Tower, and the old railway station, will commemorate the nearly 50,000 Jews of Thessaloniki— over 90% of the city’s pre-war Jewish community—who were deported from that very station and murdered at Auschwitz du

Professor Samuel Torjman-Thomas (center) performing at a special Sephardic Musical Evening in August We’ve had a packed Summer of...

Sarah is the Executive Director of JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, a public advocacy and education...

Rabbi and Rubissa (Rabbanit) Eliatuv, nominees for the new spiritual heads of the S&P Sephardi Community of the United Kingdom The S&P...

Four years ago, I arrived at Sephardic Adventure Camp (SAC) not just as a counselor—but as someone in search of a deeper connection. My...

​​Even though the heat index may have reached close to 100° F (38°C), we at The Sephardi Federation of Palm Beach County (SFPBC) in South...

Participants touring the Central Synagogue of Thessaloniki, Greece. What an incredible journey it has been! This summer, 21 members of...