The ASF’s Sephardi House
Sephardi House’s purpose is to bring #AllJewsTogether by infusing the inviting and enlightening Sephardic soul into Jewish life on campus
The Sephardic tradition, as a “balanced theory and practice, not given to excess, seriously Jewish, yet worldly and cosmopolitan,” holds the secrets to surmounting the challenges facing young Jews. These challenges include political and religious extremism, assimilation, and alienation.
Sephardi House will create a warm and welcoming environment for exploring the beauty, depth, diversity, and vitality of the Jewish People. Our programs will encourage young Jews to take pride in our place and purpose in the world, as well as prepare them to take principled personal and professional paths in life.
Joshua Benaim, a Harvard University and Harvard Business School alum and Founder & CEO of Aria Development Group, is the visionary leader behind the creation of Sephardi House. He was inspired to create Sephardi House to honor his father Carlos, who instilled in him a love for the Sephardic tradition and community. Joshua invites others to join him in founding and nurturing this exciting and essential initiative.
Please contact us at info@americansephardi.org for more information on how you can get involved today! Sephardi House Founders Circle in formation.
Plan of Action:
> Fellows will take classes through the ASF Institute of Jewish Experience, receive special training and mentoring sessions, and a Tool Kit, including everything from how to conduct a Sephardic Shabbat or Seder to recordings of Sephardic songs and articles on timely and important issues.
> Fellows will focus on three areas based on their abilities and excitement:
- Conveying the joy and friendship of the Sephardic spirit to life on campus through compelling events. (Resources will be made available).
- Bringing to life the treasure trove of Sephardic knowledge and photography/videography of Sephardic Jewish life through the web.
- Educating and engaging with the campus community and broader world via social media.
>Fellows will receive an honorarium of $1,000.
>The goal for the 1st class of fellows is to form a core of creative entrepreneurs and innovators who can help shape a program that will keep the Sephardi spirit alive for generations to come.
>Fellows will create Sephardi House Clubs on campus as a way to perpetuate this living tradition. Past Fellows will be invited to onboard and mentor the next class of fellows.