Sephardic Custom

מנהג הספרדים

The term "Sephardic Custom" (מנהג הספרדים) refers to the traditions and religious practices specific to Sephardic Jews, who are descendants of Jews from Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and the Middle East. Sephardic customs differ in some ways from Ashkenazic customs, which are derived from Jews originally from France, Germany, and Eastern Europe.

Differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazic customs can include variations in liturgical traditions, religious laws, pronunciation of Hebrew, and certain holiday practices. For example, Sephardic Jews often have different melodies for prayers and specific foods they eat on holidays that reflect their unique cultural heritage. Additionally, Sephardic interpretations of Jewish law can differ from Ashkenazic practices, influenced by the rulings of medieval Sephardic rabbis such as Maimonides and the Shulchan Aruch of Rabbi Joseph Caro, which is considered very authoritative in Sephardic communities.