About Us
Who we are
Distinctions: A Sephardi and Mizrahi Journal
Distinctions is the online journal of JIMENA that elevates the voices and talents of Sephardi and Mizrahi scholars, researchers, artists and activists. Our content challenges traditional narratives about Jewish people and communities, and addresses contemporary Jewish concerns through a classical Sephardi and Mizrahi lens. Our mission is to spread knowledge so that everyone can better appreciate these important distinctions, while providing a vehicle that treats Sephardi and Mizrahi people with distinction.
Editorial Advisors
- Ada Aharoni, Founder and President, The International Forum for the Literature and Culture of Peace
- Rabbi Daniel Bouskila, Director, Sephardic Educational Center
- Meir Buzaglo, Professor, Department of Philosophy, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Eliezer Papo, Senior Lecturer, Department of Hebrew Literature, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- Sarah Sassoon, Poet, Essayist and Children’s Book Author
- Norman A. Stillman, Founding Director, Center for Judaic & Israel Studies, University of Oklahoma
- Ophir Toubul, Activist and Founder of the Tor HaZahav Movement
Distinctions is generously supported by JCRIF: Jewish Community Response and Impact Fund
JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa
JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa pursues universal recognition for the heritage, history, and rights of the one million indigenous Jewish refugees from the Middle East and North Africa and their Mizrahi and Sephardi descendants.
Sephardic Leadership Institute
JIMENA’s Sephardic Leadership Institute shares the knowledge, expertise and recommendations of Sephardi and Mizrahi thought leaders with Jewish communal and lay leadership to help organizations become more adept at integrating and representing Sephardi heritage into their communities.
Our Team
Sarah Levin
Ty Alhadeff
Emily Alhadeff
Stuart Eskenazi
Neomi Assiabanha-Rapoport
Yehuda Rapoport
JIMENA Executive Director
Director of Education, JIMENA’s Sephardic Leadership Institute
Editor
Editor (first four issues)
Art Director
Website Developer
Sarah Levin JIMENA Executive Director
Ty Alhadeff Director of Education, JIMENA’s Sephardic Leadership Institute
Emily Alhadeff Editor
Stuart Eskenazi Editor (first four issues)
Neomi Assiabanha-Rapoport Art Director
Yehuda Rapoport Website Developer
Opinions expressed by the authors contributing to Distinctions journal reflect the views of the individual writer and not necessarily those of JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa.