Mizrahi Jews

Mizrahi Jews
Group	Mizrahi Jews
Native name	יהודים מזרחים
Native name lang	he
Population	3–4 million
Popplace	Israel, United States, France, Canada
Langs	Traditionally Judeo-Arabic, Judeo-Persian, Hebrew; Modern: Hebrew, English, French
Rels	Judaism
Related	Sephardic Jews, Ashkenazi Jews, Other Jewish groups

Mizrahi Jews are a major Jewish ethnic division whose communities developed in the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. The term broadly encompasses Jewish communities with lengthy histories in the Muslim world, distinct from the later diaspora communities of Ashkenazi Jews in Europe and Sephardic Jews originally from the Iberian Peninsula. Following the Arab–Israeli conflict and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, most Mizrahi Jews underwent a Jewish exodus from Arab and Muslim countries, with the majority now residing in Israel.

Etymology and terminology

The modern Hebrew term "Mizrahi" translates to "Eastern" and derives from the word "Mizrach" (מזרח), meaning "east." It came into common usage in Israel during the 20th century as a collective demographic label for Jews from Asia and Africa, often in contrast to Ashkenazi Jews. Historically, these communities identified by their specific cities or regions of origin, such as Baghdadi, Yemenite, or Persian. In scholarly and religious contexts, many Mizrahi communities are also categorized under Sephardic rite due to shared liturgical traditions following the influence of rabbis like Joseph Karo and the dissemination of the Shulchan Aruch.

History

Mizrahi Jewish history spans over two millennia, with some communities, like those in Babylonia and Persia, dating to the Babylonian captivity after the destruction of the First Temple. Major centers of Jewish scholarship flourished in cities like Sura and Pumbedita, producing foundational texts such as the Babylonian Talmud. Under successive empires including the Abbasid Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire, Jews generally lived as dhimmis, a protected but subordinate status. The mid-20th century was marked by the Farhud pogrom in Iraq and other pressures, leading to a near-complete Jewish exodus from Arab and Muslim countries between 1948 and the early 1970s, with most refugees absorbed by the newly founded State of Israel.

Demographics

Today, over half of Israel's Jewish population is of Mizrahi descent, forming a significant demographic and political bloc. Large Mizrahi communities also exist in the United States, particularly in areas like Brooklyn and Los Angeles, as well as in France and Canada. Within Israel, distinct community identities remain strong among groups such as Iraqi Jews, Moroccan Jews, Yemenite Jews, Bukharan Jews, and Mountain Jews from the Caucasus. The Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics often groups them with Sephardic Jews under the single category "Mizrahim."

Culture and traditions

Mizrahi culture is characterized by a rich synthesis of Jewish religious life with the local languages, music, and customs of the Islamic world. Literary traditions flourished in languages like Judeo-Arabic and Judeo-Persian, producing poets such as Dunash ben Labrat and liturgical works like the Diwan. Music is a hallmark, with iconic artists like Zohar Argov, Ofra Haza, and the Algerian-born Enrico Macias blending traditional melodies with modern styles. Cuisine features distinctive dishes such as kubbeh, jachnun, and sabich, which have become staples of Israeli cuisine.

Religious practices

Mizrahi religious observance follows the Sephardic legal tradition and liturgy, as codified by rabbis including Maimonides and Joseph Karo in the Shulchan Aruch. Liturgical poetry, known as piyyutim, by poets like Israel Najara is integral to synagogue services. While generally orthodox in practice, notable spiritual leaders have included the Ben Ish Chai (Yosef Chaim of Baghdad) and the Baba Sali (Israel Abuhatzeira). Distinct customs are observed for holidays; for example, Mimouna, celebrated by Moroccan Jews at the end of Passover.

Notable people

Notable Mizrahi individuals have made significant contributions across diverse fields. In politics and statecraft, figures include former Israeli Presidents Yitzhak Navon and Moshe Katsav, former Prime Minister David Levy, and Iran-born former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. In arts and entertainment, influential figures are singer Yardena Arazi, actor and director Sasson Gabai, and filmmaker Ronit Elkabetz. Intellectuals and scientists include Nobel laureate Aaron Ciechanover and historian S. D. Goitein. In sports, notable personalities are NBA player Omri Casspi and former Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball star Doron Jamchi.

Category:Jewish ethnic groups Category:Mizrahi Jews Category:Jewish diaspora