Sephardic Day at the J celebrates rich cultural heritage and community

October 7, 2024 1:30 pm
Attendees enjoy a lively game of Ladingo, similar to bingo, where participants can win prizes by having enough consecutive numbers called on their board. Photo courtesy of John Shaffer
Attendees enjoy a lively game of Ladingo, similar to bingo, where participants can win prizes by having enough consecutive numbers called on their board. Photo courtesy of John Shaffer

Special to the Reporter

More than 700 people from the greater Seattle area gathered at the Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) on Mercer Island on Sept. 29 for the highly anticipated Sephardic Day, a vibrant celebration of Sephardic culture, history and traditions.

Sephardic Judaism includes the traditions and religious practices of Jews from Spain and Portugal before they were expelled in the late 15th century. Today, Sephardic Jews preserve their unique cultural and religious customs, influenced by the regions where they resettled, like North Africa and the Middle East. The food, art and practices are rich with color, flavor and history. Notably, Seattle has one of the largest populations of Sephardic Jews in the U.S.

The SJCC event showcased the richness of Sephardic Jewish heritage through engaging activities, festive music and Mediterranean-inspired food, fostering a sense of unity and connection within the community. Attendees experienced a wide array of Sephardic-inspired programming, including a kosher Sephardic lunch, Ladingo/bingo with prizes, interactive arts and crafts, and a lively marketplace filled with jewelry, art, books and more.

“We’re trying to share our traditions and our culture with everyone,” said Sharon Lott, a Sephardic Day organizer. Fellow organizer Michelle Behar added: “We’re so happy to be here, especially to gather the whole community together during this difficult time for something that’s festive, happy and exciting.”

The success of Sephardic Day was made possible thanks to the dedication and generosity of the event’s planning committee, which included Sharon Lott, Michelle Behar, Lea Hamlin, Kelly Piha, Doreen Alhadeff, Jay Behar, Lisi Mezistrano Wolf and Simon Hamlin.

Amy Lavin, CEO of the SJCC, expressed her excitement about the community’s turnout:

“What a fun day! There is nothing better than seeing hundreds of people who share culture, values and traditions connect with one another. The room was filled with laughter, hugs, nostalgia, storytelling, and most of all, pride in a shared heritage.”

The SJCC is proud to continue offering inclusive and engaging events that celebrate the diverse heritage of Jewish people, while fostering a strong and vibrant community in the Pacific Northwest.