http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4FWyYYN2_M

A film made in 2004 originally for Spanish television, “El Ultimo Sefardi” is a documentary tracing the story of Sephardic Jews from the time of their expulsion from Spain. In Spanish and Ladino with Spanish subtitles (although I have read that there is a version with English subtitles), the film follows a young man, Eliezer Papo, born in Sarajevo, now an attorney, novelist, and rabbi living and teaching Ladino at Ben Gurion University in Israel, as he travels to the various countries the Sephardim traveled to and lived in. Part travelogue, part documentary….even if you do not know Spanish, enjoy the music and the sights. Runs approximately 1.5 hours.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4FWyYYN2_M

This week, we note the passing in Seattle, WA of Leni LaMarche, author of the column “Bavajadas de Benadam”.
I always loved Leni’s stories and antecdotes. I am including a link to some of her columns, released by Congregation Ezra Bessaroth, as well as a biography of Leni from the Weaving Woman’s Words Project.

Leni was a delightful teacher and a talented storyteller. Enjoy her “Bavajadas”!
May her memory be a blessing.

An excellent article that appeared today in the New York Jewish Week. It highlights a new book by Rabbi Moshe Shamah, talking about the “classic” Sephardic worldview of ‘tradition’ and ‘modernity’. I hope you will take a few minites and take a read:
http://www.thejewishweek.com/editorial_opinion/gary_rosenblatt/sephardic_scholar_enlightened_torah_approach

A wonderful clip from the 1994 film ‘From Toledo to Jerusalem’. Ladino with Hebrew subtitles. I love this movie!! (and I adore Yehoram Gaon). I recall seeing it originally with English subtitle…..however, am delighted to see this clip online!! Enjoy the story, the sights and the music!!! Happy to be sharing it with you!!!