Culture

Jews have lived in Algeria for over 2,000 years, evolving into a community deeply shaped by Sephardic and French culture. In 1492 many high-profile Jewish refugees fled Spain to Algeria, bringing with them their Ladino language, Sephardic spiritual traditions, and a rich culinary culture that survives today. In 1830, as France colonized Algeria, most Jews clung tightly to their indigenous culture, yet by 1865, Jews were granted French citizenship and began adopting French culture as their own. Regardless of national affiliation, Algerian Jews have greatly contributed to the fields of music, philosophy, economics and film.

JIMENA works to ensure that the cultural heritage of Algerian Jews and all Mizrahi and Sephardi Jews will survive to benefit future generations. We have been leading unique Cultural Outreach Programming since our establishment in 2001, giving Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews a platform on which to celebrate and share their rich culture with diverse audiences throughout North America. JIMENA is dedicated to preserving and sharing Mizrahi and Sephardi culture through traditional celebrations, festivals, lectures and cultural series.