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The old Jewish communities of Izmir, Monastir, and Salonica among others, are largely remembered because their descendants still live the stories and the way of being of their parents or grandparents.
When this “remembrance” is academic, it generally focuses on Ladino cuisine, songs and language. However, the distinctive meaning of these communities lies not so much in their folklore but in their attitude towards life – something rarely mentioned.
For centuries The Jews originating in Spain developed a certain “joie de vivre (“pleasure of living”) that is unique among the Jewish communities of the world.
Preserving this attitude that allowed Jews from Spain not only to survive unimaginable difficulties, but to build communities that flourished and rebuilt for a thousand years, is an imperative.
The Meriane Albagli Geni Cassorla Institute for Sephardic Development in the 21st Century
aims to inspire in the new generations of “Monastirlis,” “Salonikis,” “Izmirlis” the preservation and development of that pleasure of contributing and living from their ancestors.
Alone, there isn’t much we can achieve.
May we count with your support?