Jewish life in Morocco explored

American Sephardi Federation to conduct two-day international symposium on Moroccan Jewish history, culture and identity

Morocco has been in the news lately more for its travails than its triumphs. In reality, the northwestern African country can be looked at as a model for a modern contemporary Muslim state.

The American Sephardi Federation (ASF) will conduct a two-day international symposium on Sunday, May 15 and Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Center for Jewish History in New York City, entitled "2,000 Years of Jewish Life in Morocco: An Epic Journey."

The symposium will feature international scholars and dignitaries from Morocco, France, Canada, Israel and the US, who, over two days, will focus on a compendium of subjects including: Moroccan Jewish history, social diversity and interaction, diplomacy, rabbinic tradition and influence, art, literature, and religious and secular musical history.

Open to the public, this symposium is being held under the High Patronage of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco and made possible through the generous support of the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation.

Contributing scholars from the following academic institutions will be participating: The University of Paris, France; The Sorbonne, Paris, France; The University of Quebec, Canada; Tel Aviv University, Israel; The University of Haifa, Israel; Princeton University, New Jersey; The University of Arizona; The University of Minnesota; The University of Pennsylvania; The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and The Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals in New York.

Florence Amzallag Tatistcheff, ASF Vice President, Chair of Cultural Programs, said: "This symposium is testimony to the great legacy of the Moroccan Jewish community in the United States.

"Everywhere they live, Moroccan Jews carry with them a passion for their culture, spirit and Moroccan identity, one which remains steadfast, even in the face of changing situations in the world today."

Founded in 1973, the American Sephardi Federation is the largest American organization dedicated to the promotion of the history and culture of the Sephardic Jewish population in the United States.