Sephardic-Mizrahi Judaism generally refers to Jews who lived in North Africa and the Middle East and is sometimes called "Judaism of Islamic Lands." This rich and centuries-old tradition has produced outstanding leaders, such as Maimonides (Rambam), Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, and Rabbi Yosef Karo, the author of the Shulchan Aruch.
Jewish immigration from Eastern countries to Israel has taken place throughout history, peaking during the 1950s with major waves of aliyah motivated by religious and Zionist aspirations. Upon their arrival in Israel, many Mizrahi Jews were settled in transit camps (ma'abarot) and later relocated to development towns across the country, including Yeruham, Sderot, Ofakim, Rosh HaAyin, Migdal HaEmek, Beit She'an, Ma'alot, Netivot, Or Yehuda, Lod, Shlomi, and Karmiel.
As new immigrants and later as pioneers in these development towns, Mizrahi Jews faced systemic discrimination and limited access to sources of power, education, and cultural recognition within Israeli society. As a result, the once-glorious Sephardic-Mizrahi Jewish tradition and its cultural heritage were marginalized.
A Renewed Interest in Sephardic-Mizrahi Judaism
In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish heritage. Recent studies have revealed new insights. For example, a 2015 Pew Research Center survey found that:
- 23% of Jewish adults in Israel identify as "masorti" (traditional). After October 7 2023 these percentage became much bigger
- "Masorti Jews are the only Jewish group whose members are more likely than others to form friendships across different Jewish communities."
A 2009 study by the Guttman Center, "Jewish Israelis – Portrait of Beliefs, Traditions, and Values," cites a statement by Professor Sami Samocha: "The masorti Jews do not succumb to pressures from secular or religious groups. They succeed in developing an independent, modern identity. This identity is largely based on free choice, selective adherence to religious laws, and the recognition of other identities as legitimate."
Additional findings show that a high percentage of masorti Jews emphasize social justice.
Defining Masorti Identity
Professor Meir Buzaglo, chairman of the Tikun Movement, explores the definition of "masorti" in his article "The New Traditionalist and Halakha: A Phenomenology": "In the absence of a clear definition, masorti identity is often mistaken for the general concept of 'tradition' as understood by classical sociology, where a traditional society is seen as a transitional phase toward a modern, rational society. Alternatively, it is sometimes perceived as an unstructured folk perspective. At best, masorati Jews are defined as 'half and half': those who have not decisively chosen between being truly religious or truly secular and hesitate to commit fully. However, these interpretations fail to give masorati Jews the respect they deserve. Without a clear definition, individuals feel pressured to choose: to be either secular or ultra-Orthodox, without considering the possibility that their lived experience itself holds an inherent logic."
He further states: "The masorati identity is built from the ground up. As noted earlier, this is not a philosophy seeking implementation but a practice in search of a worldview. Its very existence hints at the tensions formed by responding to reality, remaining faithful to ancestral traditions, and addressing the challenges of the modern world."
The Tikun Movement: Amplifying the Masorti Voice
Israeli society faces two central and vital challenges crucial to the resilience and future of the State of Israel: the question of Jewish identity and the social equity issue. One challenge concerns the identity of the sovereign Jewish people in their homeland—what it means to be Jewish and Israeli. The other relates to social crises, including educational disparities, systemic discrimination, racism against Ethiopian Jews, violence, and socio-political divisions. These issues weaken society and create hostility and alienation between different groups.
Judaism in Israel is often perceived as divisive, splitting the public into religious and secular camps, where Jewish identity among secular Jews appears to be weakening. Simultaneously, growing social disparities between rich and poor, and between central and peripheral regions call for social action and civic engagement. Tikun’s vision connects these two fundamental issues—identity and continuity. We argue that these questions should be linked to societal and state challenges. By centering Jewish tradition on the values of social responsibility and both internal and external peace—and embracing social activism as a natural extension of our heritage—we can unite the Jewish people, bridge divisions, foster a sense of shared responsibility, and strengthen Jewish identity. Within the broad framework of "Jewish tradition," we seek to highlight and promote Sephardic-Mizrahi tradition in public and educational arenas. Firstly, because this tradition forms the foundation of identity for over 30% of Israeli Jews who originated in Islamic countries. Secondly, we believe that the Sephardic-Mizrahi tradition—rooted in moderation, openness, inclusivity, and a strong sense of social responsibility—offers invaluable cultural and social assets for the future of Israeli society, enriching religious, secular, and masorti Jews alike. The encounter between Sephardic-Mizrahi tradition and modernity gave rise to the masorti identity—a perspective that rejects the division between "religious" and "secular" Jews, instead viewing Jewish identities as a continuum where unity outweighs division. The moderate Sephardic-Mizrahi leadership historically fostered a model of a modern Jewish community that does not exclude any members but embraces all Jews. Today, Israeli society urgently needs this inclusive and adaptive model of Judaism.
Many Jews in Israel today see tradition as the preferred framework for defining their Jewish identity. We aim to strengthen this approach among both Mizrahi Jews and Israeli Jews in general. Moreover, masorti Judaism offers an alternative model for Jewish-Israeli society—one that challenges sectarian divisions and extremism. This model embraces and respects all Jewish identities, drawing not necessarily from liberal discourse on rights but from particularistic Jewish values such as Ahavat Yisrael (love for fellow Jews) and mutual responsibility.
We envision a society where individuals, communities, and leaders find deep meaning in their Jewish identity and express it through social responsibility and a commitment to justice—both in the sense of "charity" (tzedakah) and "justice" (tzedek). A society where Jewish values serve as the foundation for embracing the stranger, supporting the vulnerable, reducing social disparities, strengthening social safety nets, and protecting workers' rights. In this vision, Jewish renewal manifests as a reinterpretation of Judaism—a Jewish-social reading that unites traditionalists and secularists alike.
Historically, Mizrahi Jews lived peacefully among Muslim populations with mutual respect and cultural partnership. Tikun believes in shared living and seeks to establish a Jewish-Muslim alliance in Israel, rooted in our shared past and the desire to promote peace among nations and religions. Such an alliance would join forces against extremism and pave a new path beyond hostility toward healing our region.
Tikun aspires to be an inclusive movement encompassing members from all communities and sectors of Israeli society, regardless of gender, ethnic background, nationality, or geographic location. The unification of these diverse identities toward common goals and a shared vision serves as a counterforce to division and polarization that harm the greater good. While we respect all identities, we believe they must function in harmony with mutual responsibility—acknowledging differences while actively seeking common ground. Only in this way can we shape a new agenda that addresses the core concerns underlying these identities, offering meaningful solutions to long-standing societal challenges.
Tikun also believes in strengthening the deep connection between Jews in Israel and around the world. We seek to enrich this relationship by fostering ties with Sephardic-Mizrahi Jews in the diaspora. Our shared heritage provides a natural foundation for dialogue between communities in Israel and abroad.