Sephardim: The Jews from Spain » (1)

Paloma Dí az- Mas is a researcher at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientí ficas de Madrid.

Here, in a single volume, is the first comprehensive history in English of the Sephardim—descendants of the Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. Paloma Díaz-Mas recounts the journey and customs of this fascinating group as they moved across the globe. They settled initially in Mediterranean Europe, the Low Countries, North Africa, and the Turkish Empire, but in the nineteenth century, a second diaspora brought the Sephardim to the United States, South America, Israel, and Western Europe. She traces the origins and survival of their unique language and explores the literature they produced. Their relationship to Spain is also uncovered, as well as their everyday lives. Sephardim is an authoritative and completely accessible investigation of the history and legacy of this amazing people.

Library Journal

The Sephardim are a minority within the Jewish community, descendants of Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 who retain the Spanish language into this century. This translation of a work by a Spanish academic purports to be a comprehensive introduction to Sephardic history and culture. The author begins with an outline of Jewish beliefs and practices but does not make clear which references are to Sephardim specifically. On the role of women in Jewish life, her information is outdated. She gives limited attention to the persecution of Jews and conversos by the Inquisition before the Expulsion. There is a curious reluctance to see events from a Jewish perspective and sources. However well intentioned Diaz-Mas is, her agenda makes this an apologia for Spain and pulls it out of focus. Notes provided by the author and the translator are skimpy, and the bibliography is incomplete and all but useless to English-only readers. This title fails to capture the Sephardic spirit. Of small benefit to the general reader or specialist.-- Libby K. White, Schenectady Cty. P.L., N.Y.