Non-Jewish Origins of the Sephardic Jews

The author uses linguistic, ethnographic, and historical evidence to support his theory that the origins of Sephardic Jews are predominantly Berber and Arab.

In The Non-Jewish Origins of the Sephardic Jews, Paul Wexler presents a groundbreaking theory that challenges the conventional narrative of Sephardic Jewish origins. Through an in-depth exploration of linguistic, historical, and ethnographic evidence, Wexler argues that the Sephardic Jews—long believed to be the descendants of ancient Judaeans—are, in fact, the descendants of Berber and Arab proselytes who converted to Judaism during the medieval period.

Drawing from an extensive array of sources, including linguistic studies of Judeo-Arabic, Ladino, and Yiddish, Wexler builds a compelling case for the North African roots of Sephardic Jewry. He identifies traces of Berber and Arab cultures embedded within the language, religion, and folk traditions of Sephardic Jews, revealing an intricate tapestry of cultural exchange and religious transformation.

The book also revises the historical understanding of the term Sephardic and the role of conversion in the formation of Jewish communities across North Africa, Spain, and the broader Mediterranean world. Wexler's meticulous analysis highlights the significant influence of Arabic and Berber linguistic features on Judeo-Spanish and Judeo-Arabic, challenging long-held assumptions about the "Hispanicity" of Sephardic Jews.

Incorporating elements of religious syncretism and the cultural assimilation of Berber and Arab practices, Wexler’s study offers a new lens through which to view the complex processes of Judaization in the Iberian Peninsula. This comprehensive and original work will appeal to scholars and readers interested in Jewish history, linguistic anthropology, and the rich cultural legacy of the Sephardic Jews.

Paul Wexler is Professor of Linguistics at Tel-Aviv University.