Branching Out from Sepharad by Sarina Roffé

Just Released
on Amazon.com

A 2017 publication of Sephardic  Heritage Project

After 17 years of research, Sarina Roffé has completedBranching Out From Sepharad (New York: Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). Dedicated to her grandparents, Joe and Frieda Missry, Roffé outlines the global journey of selected rabbinic families from Iberia to Syria to the Americas.

With the Foreword written by Dr. Walter Zenner A’H, Branching Out From Sepharadoutlines the history of Jews in Spain, the 1492 Expulsion, the history of Jews in Syria, and follows them to the Americas. Biographies and genealogies of rabbinic families include the Kassins and Labatons, as neighbors in Vallodolid, and Hedayas, as well as genealogies of their related families (Attia, Dabah, Mizrahi). The book is footnoted and can be used as a source for research.

Branching Out From Sepharad has a complete biography of Rabbi Jacob S. Kassin A’H, Chief Rabbi of the Brooklyn community for more than half a century, and includes many documents outlining his life work and accomplishments. Kassin’s life is divided into three areas – his early time in Jerusalem, his rabbinic accomplishments, and his family life. Genealogies are also provided along with primary source documents.

Chapters include research on the term Sephardic Jew, Genealogy in the Torah, and Sephardic Naming Practices. Roffé writes the 100-year history of the Brooklyn community, discussing the sociological impact of careers, philanthropy, traditions, and educational beliefs as they changed over a century.

Branching Out From Sepharad is now available on Amazon and at Eichlers on Coney Island Ave, Bklyn.

The Sephardic Heritage Project has received generous grants from the following donors to develop Sephardic genealogical databases.

Dabah Family Foundation
Sam and Mollie Jemal Fndn
Mitchel Dayan
Edward Tyler Nahem
Joseph Nahem
Eddie ‘Boston’ Sitt
Chera Foundation
Joseph Jerome
Leon M. Sutton
Eddie Schweky
Century 21 foundation
Chehebar Foundation