Looking Back: Jewish Life in Morocco

An exhibition entitled: «Looking Back: Jewish Life in Morocco,» will have its Opening Program and Reception on October 14, 2010 at the Center for Jewish History in New York City. Produced by the American Sephardi Federation, the exhibition will focus on the history of the Jewish people and Jewish life, as it once was in Morocco.

The event will launch a year-long series of programs on «2,000 Years of Jewish Life in Morocco: An Epic Journey» including an international Symposium, a concert, and individual lectures.

David Dangoor, ASF President said, «The American Sephardi Federation aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and highlight the diversity and international scope of the Sephardic Jewish heritage. The ASF is delighted to present this series of multidisciplinary events that will celebrate the patrimony and legacy of Jewish culture in Morocco.»

Jews have lived in what is today Morocco since at least the period of the Phoenicians in 550 (BCE). There, over a period of several thousand years, Jewish communities lived among, and were influenced by, various peoples including the Berbers, the Spanish, the Arabs and the French. This exhibition will provide an overview demonstrating the presence and flourishing of Jews in the ancient and modern Kingdom of Morocco.

The exhibition will be presented through the implementation of artistically designed textual displays, documents, pull quotes, non-photo images (e.g. lithographs and engravings), historic photos, captions, replications of historic documents, and other visuals which demonstrate the life of the Jews living throughout this North African country.

On this night, Dr. Norman A. Stillman, the Schusterman-Josey Professor and Chair of Judaic History at the University of Oklahoma, will present the keynote address.

«This exhibition, part of the ASF’s year-long program, will enlighten the visitor on the beautiful history and culture of the Jews of Morocco,» said Shelomo Alfassa, the exhibition’s curator.