Beyond Ashkenazi: Exploring Sephardic & Mizrahi Jewish Diversity, Identity & Antisemitism

High School (Grades 9-12) - can be adapted for middle school with modification.

5 lessons (45-60 minutes each)

Context & Purpose

This unit helps students explore the complexity and diversity of Jewish identity by focusing on the often under-represented perspectives of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews (Jews from the Middle East, North Africa, Iberia and their diasporas). Students will examine cultural traditions, migration stories, identity formation, and the interplay of majority/minority dynamics including antisemitism. The goal: to enrich curriculum, promote inclusive understanding of world history and ethnic studies, and equip students to identify and respond to bias, exclusion, and misinformation.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the week, students will be able to:

  • Describe the historical/geographic origins of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, including migration patterns and cultural traditions.
  • Compare and contrast Sephardic, Mizrahi and Ashkenazi Jewish identities (language, culture, religious customs, diaspora experiences).
  • Reflect on their own identities (visible/invisible attributes) and how those relate to majority/minority dynamics.
  • Define antisemitism and analyze how it has manifested for different Jewish communities, including non-Ashkenazi Jews.
  • Collaboratively design a student-led mini-workshop or display that communicates the diversity of Jewish identity and proposes ways to counter antisemitism and exclusion.

“Who Am I & What Shapes Identity?”

Focus: Self-reflection, identity concepts, visible vs invisible attributes.

  • Begin with quick journal prompt: “Who am I? List 5-7 things that describe you (interests, culture, family, traditions, etc).
  • Introduce the Identity Iceberg chart: visible traits (e.g., skin colour, clothing) vs invisible traits (beliefs, language, traditions, migration history). Use a model/example.
  • Students complete their own identity charts in pairs, then share with partner: what is visible, what is hidden, what aspects they can control or not control, how those impact how others see them.
  • Introduce the topic of Jewish diversity: Explain that “Jewish identity” is often perceived narrowly, but in fact there are many traditions and diasporas (including Sephardic and Mizrahi).
  • Exit ticket: “Name one thing you learned about yourself that you had not thought about previously.”