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Sephardic History as a Graphic Novel

Sephardi Tales™ is a graphic novel published as an ongoing series by Jew’els of Spain, portraying the story of the Sephardi Jews and their journey through the centuries before and after their eviction from Spain in 1492. As well as how they departed and how they preserved their customs, traditions and language for more than 500 years. As a result, their contribution to art, diplomacy, literature, medicine, music, trading, etc., to their new home countries.

Sephardic Jews (Hebrew: יְהוּדֵי סְפָרַד‎, Romanized: Yehudei Sfarad, translated as Jews of Spain; Ladino: Djudíos Sefardíes), also known as Sephardi Jews or Sephardim, are Iberian Peninsular Jews (Spain and Portugal) who were forced to convert to Catholicism or face expulsion from Spain after 1492. As a result, at least 100,000 to 300,000 Spanish Jews (estimates vary) left Spain and settled in different parts of Europe, the Mediterranean coast of Africa, the territories that comprise the former Ottoman Empire, and the Middle East. In this great migration movement, many settled in the Ottoman Empire after they were welcomed by the Ottoman Sultan. The name “Sephardic” comes from the Hebrew word for Spain, “Sefarad”.

Sharing stories is arguably the most important way we have of communicating with others about who we are and what we believe; about what we are doing, and we have done; about our hopes and fears; about what we value and what we do not. The stories of the society we live in create a sense of belonging and help us understand our place in the endless flow of time.

Graphic Novel

Sephardi Tales™ is a graphic novel that tells Sephardic Jewish history with graphics and simple terms to teach youngsters about Sephardic Jewish Heritage.

The storyline starts at the 15th century’s end and continues to our present time.

With this purpose in mind, we will distribute the aforementioned graphic novel in elementary and secondary schools to preserve, maintain, and disseminate the cultural and historical heritage of Sephardic Jews.

At the same time, a team will design an application for use on cell phones and tablets, serving as an interactive way to connect teachers and students with the information the graphic novel provides.

The application will be for schools’ exclusive use, in order to encourage students’ engagement with the Sephardic Jewish Heritage. In addition, to perform contests between different classes, and between schools, at regional and national level, with prizes for contest winners.

Sephardi Tales™: some characters from our ongoing series