Jerusalem has been home to a thriving community of Sefardim (Jews whose heritage traces back to the Iberian Peninsula) for over 500 years. Exiled from Spain in 1492, Sephardic Jews made their home in Jerusalem and dominated the "Old Yishuv". Their familiarity with middle-eastern culture and their poly-lingualism served them well in Jerusalem's Ottoman era. Through Sarit Yishai-Levi's gorgeous work, The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, we will explore Sephardic life, language, and customs, during the time shortly before and after the founding of the State.

Ariella Darsa Amshalem is a Chef and food educator who teaches about Sephardic and Mizrachi history and culture through the lens of food and language. Having grown up in the States and Israel, and being the proud granddaughter or Turkish Sephardim, her work and identity are integrated. She loves sharing her family's recipes, Ladino folks saying, stories and songs, all of which are her favorite ways to engage with her students.