New York: 'Jewish life in Morocco' opens Oct. 14

"Looking Back: Jewish Life in Morocco" will open at the Center for Jewish History in New York City on Thursday, October 14.

It begins at 6:30pm at the Center for Jewish History,15 West 16th Street New York.

Produced by the American Sephardi Federation , the exhibt focuses on the history of the Jewish people and Jewish life, as it once was in Morocco.

This event launches 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.

ASF president David Dangoor 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 Morocco since at least the time of the Phoenicians, 550 BCE. Over several thousands years, Jewish communities lived there and were influenced by those with whom they lived: the Berbers, the Spanish, the Arabs and the French.

The exhibit is an overview of the presence and flourishing of Jews in the ancient and modern Kingdom of Morocco.

Included are 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 demonstrating the life of the Jews in this area.

The opening night keynote address will be presented by Dr. Norman A. Stillman, the Schusterman-Josey Professor and Chair of Judaic History at the University of Oklahoma. The developer and curator of the exhibit is Shelomo Alfassa.

Fee: ASF members, free; others $10. Reservations are required.

Tracing the Tribe's many readers interested in Sephardic programming may also follow the ASF on Twitter and Facebook.