Sephardic Jews’ Music Festival 2023 (SF)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Enjoy a day full of Sephardic cultural workshops, cuisine and performances with The Qadim Ensemble and Zirzuví with Dror Sinai. ​

EmbaRK On A Journey With Us!

It’s a unique opportunity for Sephardic people to come together and for others to connect with Sephardic culture, strengthening common cultural bonds. Sephardic Jews have been dispersed all around the world, and it’s possible that some of them are/were your neighbors. 

Sephardic Jews have a long history interacting and blending with the cultures of the cities and countries where they lived, resulting in a rich tapestry of cultural fusion. For example, in Ottoman Turkey, Sephardic Jews integrated into the broader community, adopting Turkish customs and language while still maintaining their unique religious practices and traditions. In Morocco, Sephardic Jews interacted with the local Berber and Arab cultures, developing a distinct style of Jewish music that incorporates elements of both. Despite adapting to new cultural contexts, Sephardic Jews have always maintained a strong sense of identity and belonging.

The festival showcases the diversity of people and cultures that emerged from the Sephardic diaspora after the expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula. There is something for everyone, from music and food to reconnecting with the sounds from many regions around the world, including perhaps one of yours? The event features performances by The Qadim Ensemble and Zirzuví, showcasing traditional Sephardic, Middle Eastern, and Balkan music, bridging traditions and creating new relationships to Jewish culture. Participants can even take part in a music workshop to learn the basics of Sephardic music and perform and sing alongside the musicians during their concert. Amateurs and pros alike are welcome to jam with us! 

This event is produced by Anatolian Arts Institute, The Congregation Sherith Israel, and Our Sephardic Family and made possible by the support of our generous sponsors Sherith Israel and The Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest and San Francisco.

PROGRAM

2.30 pm          – Checking in 

3 to 5 pm        – Sephardic Music Workshop 

5 to 6.30 pm   – Reception: Sephardic Snacks, Refreshments, Presentations 

7.00 to 10 pm – Sephardic Music Performance 

LOCATION

Congregation Sherith Israel

2266 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115

In person event. Livestream tickets available for concert only.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.