New York: Sephardic programs, June 6-7

Two Sephardic-focused programs will take place in New York City June 6-7.

5.30pm, Sunday, June 6

The first commemoration in honor of the 500th birthday of Dona Gracia Nasia will be hekd at the Brotherhood Synagogue, 28 Gramercy Park South. The program includes tapas, sangria and music.

Andree Aelion Brooks, award-winning author of "The Woman Who Defied Kings," will present the incredible story of Dona Gracia Nasi, a 16th century Jewish woman banker who developed an escape network that saved thousands of her fellow conversos from the terrors of the Inquisition.

Sephardic singer Sarah Aroeste and flamenco guitarist Dan Nadel will perform. Tickets: Adults $18, Students $9 (under 25). Presented by: The Dona Gracia Project. For more information, click here.

5pm, Monday, June 7

The Spanish Portuguese Synagogue, 8 W. 70th Street (Central Park West) is the venue for prize-winning historian and author, Marcia Fine, will present from her novel, "The Blind Eye," and will share some new perspectives from her research on the Sephardic story.

Sarah Aroeste and Aviva Cambara will perform. Tickets: $5.

For more information and tickets, click here.