By Barrett Holman Leak
SAN DIEGO — As soon as we were done celebrating Halloween, we got ready in the USA for Thanksgiving. But there is another observance that the Jewish community can still embrace: November is Mizrahi Heritage Month. The term “Mizrahi” refers to Jews from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and this month offers a chance to honor their contributions and explore their unique traditions.
Origins and History of Mizrahi Jews
Mizrahi Jews trace their roots to ancient Jewish communities in the Middle Eastern and North African regions, including countries such as Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. These communities have existed for centuries, with some dating back to the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE) and even earlier. Unlike their Ashkenazi and Sephardi counterparts, Mizrahi Jews often lived in Muslim-majority countries, which influenced their customs, languages, and lifestyles.
The Jewish communities in these regions maintained a distinct identity while also absorbing influences from their surrounding cultures. This unique blend of traditions is evident in various aspects of Mizrahi Jewish life, from language and clothing to cuisine and religious practices.
This month commemorates the 850,000 Jewish refugees who were forced to leave their homes in countries across the Middle East and North Africa after 1948. In 2014, Israel designated November 30 as an annual national day of commemoration for these refugees.
Mizrahi Clothing
Traditional Mizrahi clothing reflects the diverse environments and cultures in which these communities lived. While the styles varied from country to country, there are some common elements that can be observed across different regions.
For example, in Yemen, Jewish women traditionally wore colorful, embroidered dresses known as “sarwal” or “galabiya,” often accompanied by intricate silver jewelry and headdresses adorned with coins and beads. Men typically donned long robes or tunics, sometimes with a distinctive sash or belt.
In North African countries like Morocco and Tunisia, Jewish women might wear the “kaftan,” a long, flowing robe with elaborate embroidery and embellishments. These garments were often made of luxurious fabrics such as silk or velvet, signifying the wearer’s social status. Men in these regions often wore the “djellaba,” a hooded robe, along with a fez or turban.
The diversity of Mizrahi clothing highlights the community’s rich cultural heritage and the ways in which they adapted to their environments while maintaining a distinct Jewish identity.
Mizrahi Dialects
The linguistic diversity of the Mizrahi Jewish community is another fascinating aspect of their heritage. Mizrahi Jews spoke a variety of languages and dialects, influenced by the countries in which they lived and the historical interactions with other cultures.
For instance, many Mizrahi Jews in Iraq spoke Judeo-Arabic, a language that combines Arabic with Hebrew and Aramaic elements. This dialect served as both a spoken and literary language, with a rich body of religious, philosophical, and poetic works.
In Iran, Jews often spoke Judeo-Persian, a variant of Persian that incorporated Hebrew and Aramaic words. Similarly, in Morocco, the Jewish community spoke Judeo-Moroccan Arabic, which blended Arabic with Hebrew and Berber influences .
These dialects are not just languages; they are cultural treasures that carry the history, traditions, and experiences of Mizrahi Jews. They reflect the community’s ability to navigate and adapt to their surroundings while preserving their unique identity.
Mizrahi Cuisine
One of the most delightful aspects of Mizrahi culture is its cuisine, which offers a tantalizing blend of flavors, ingredients, and culinary techniques from across the Middle East and North Africa. Mizrahi cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients, creating dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious.
Popular Dishes:
- Hraime: A spicy fish stew from the Libyan and Moroccan Jewish communities, typically made with white fish, tomatoes, and a blend of hot spices such as paprika, cumin, and harissa.
- Kubbeh: Originating from Iraqi and Kurdish Jews, these are dumplings made of bulgur or semolina dough, filled with spiced meat or vegetables, and often served in a tangy soup or stew.
- Jachnun: A Yemenite Jewish dish, this slow-cooked pastry is made from rolled dough and baked overnight, resulting in a sweet and caramelized flavor. It is traditionally served with grated tomato, hard-boiled eggs, and zhug (a spicy green sauce).
These dishes, along with countless others, demonstrate the culinary creativity and adaptability of Mizrahi Jews. Their cuisine is a testament to their resilience and their ability to preserve their traditions through the art of cooking. One Table offers a free download of recipes for these Mizrahi dishes that you may want to try this month – even perhaps a substitute for the traditional Thanksgiving dinner!
Better Than Turkey?
Mizrahi Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich heritage of the Mizrahi Jewish community. From their ancient origins and distinctive clothing to their diverse dialects and mouthwatering cuisine, Mizrahi Jews have made invaluable contributions to the tapestry of Jewish culture. You just might find that you like it better than turkey with cranberry sauce and dressing!
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Barrett Holman Leak is an author, educator, and community organizer. She gratefully acknowledges myjewishlearning.com for providing much of the source material for this article.