The Jewish world is often described as divided into two broad categories: Ashkenazi and Sepharadi. This distinction, while convenient for shorthand, is historically reductive, obscuring the diversity of Jewish communal identities and the dynamic exchanges that have shaped Jewish life across centuries. For the most part, the simple binary framework is a modern construct, largely born out of Ashkenazi historiography, and erases both the boundaries and the bridges between communities that were, in reality, interconnected and fluid.
With a more nuanced approach to identity and culture, however, a picture of the Pan-Sepharadi milieu emerges that does justice to both the independence of non-Ashkenazi communities and their contributions to a common intellectual tradition and discourse.
A Historical Fabric of Shared Discourse
While it is true that Jewish communities from Italy to North Africa, the Levant, and beyond developed distinct minhagim (customs) and internal structures, they were also deeply engaged in a shared intellectual and halakhic discourse that transcended geographic and ethnic lines. From the medieval period onward, scholars, merchants, and ideas moved with remarkable freedom along the Mediterranean. Rabbis from Fez and Salonica exchanged responsa with their peers in Venice and Livorno. Books published in Constantinople found their way to Aleppo and Amsterdam.
This interconnectedness created what can be described as a “Pan-Sepharadi milieu,” characterized by shared methodologies in Talmudic interpretation, adherence to the intellectual legacy of Geonic and Andalusian authorities, and a commitment to rationalist philosophy. Italian Jewish communities, though geographically distinct and proud of their local traditions, were very much part of this broader Sepharadi framework. The enduring influence of Rambam, the Shulhan Arukh, and Sepharadi poets and philosophers is a testament to this shared culture.
The Tension Between Local Identity and Shared Legacy
At the same time, Jewish communities fiercely guarded their local identities. Italian Jews, for example, often referred to themselves as “Bené Roma” and maintained customs that predated the Spanish expulsion. Their pride in their unique heritage reflects a legitimate resistance to being subsumed under a monolithic Sepharadi label.
Yet, the shared Sepharadi intellectual framework does not erase this local uniqueness. Rather, it complements it. The “Sepharadi” designation in this context is not about erasing local identities but recognizing a common thread that binds communities together without flattening their differences.
Critiquing the Dichotomy
The simplistic version of the Ashkenazi/Sepharadi dichotomy does a disservice to this complexity. By prioritizing external markers—such as pronunciation of Hebrew, culinary traditions, or even synagogue architecture—it obscures the deeper intellectual and spiritual connections among non-Ashkenazi communities. It also ignores the diversity within Ashkenazi and Sepharadi traditions themselves, where significant regional and ideological differences exist.
This dichotomy has also been weaponized in modern times to create hierarchies and divisions, particularly in Israel, where Ashkenazi cultural hegemony has often marginalized non-Ashkenazi communities. Reframing this binary is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a necessary step toward repairing historical inequities and fostering a more inclusive Jewish identity.
Resolving the Tension: Embracing a Multi-Layered Identity
To resolve the tension between local independence and shared Sepharadi frameworks, we must adopt a multi-layered understanding of identity. Italian Jews, for instance, can take pride in their unique heritage while also acknowledging their participation in the broader Sepharadi discourse. This approach allows us to honor both the particular and the universal, recognizing that Jewish identity has always been a mosaic of overlapping influences.
Rather than seeing “Sepharadi” as a static ethnic label, we should view it as a dynamic cultural and intellectual tradition—a shared language of halakha, philosophy, and poetry that unites diverse communities across time and space. This perspective not only enriches our understanding of Jewish history but also offers a model for navigating contemporary questions of identity in a globalized world.
Conclusion: Toward a New Vision of Jewish Peoplehood
Revisiting the Ashkenazi/Sepharadi dichotomy is more than an academic exercise; it is a call to embrace the richness of Jewish diversity while recognizing the profound connections that bind us together. The Pan-Sepharadi milieu is a testament to the enduring power of shared discourse, even in the face of geographic and cultural differences.
By moving beyond reductive labels and embracing the complexity of Jewish identity, we can honor the past while building a future rooted in mutual respect and understanding. In doing so, we not only resolve the tension between local and shared identities but also create space for a more inclusive and vibrant Jewish peoplehood.