This week’s Jewish terminology word is: Judeo-Spanish
Shalom Children of G-d! Welcome back to Marie Speaks G-d’s Grace Bible Study.
Today we are going to go over our Jewish terminology for the week.
This weeks word is: Judeo-Spanish
This is an English word.
My personal JPS dictionary defines Judea-Spanish as .. The romance language spoken by Sephardic Jews, especially in Turkey, the Balkans, and North Africa.
Also called Judezmo.
When Spanish Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, they settled in new countries around the Mediterranean; their 15 century Castilian Spanish fused with Turkish, Arabic, Greek, and Hebrew words to create Judeo-Spanish, which is considered the Sephardic counterpart to Yiddish. The term “Ladino” is commonly used in place of Judeo-Spanish, although Ladino is actually the written liturgical language of the Sephardim.
I find Judeo- Spanish easier to understand and learn. This is probably because I grew up loosely “speaking” Spanish, but always hearing Spanish.
And by Spanish I mean El Paso Tex-mex Mexican/Spanish slang… and you have to go there to know what I am talking about. El Paso Spanish, in my opinion is a mix between Ladino, Spanglish, Texmex, and Spanish/Mexico slang all in one.
How does El Paso manage to make that work?
I believe it’s because the rich history that is there.
But, also fun fact... many Jews have lived in the area since before the forming of Texas as a country or a state.
Another fun fact… the Conquistadors that first travel to Mexico before it was Mexico and claimed that region were wait for it ……..Jews. The first Jew credited to go to 1500’s North America is Alonso Hernando a Conquistador.
Another fun fact ……..of 1492 travels Columbus was a Jew also. The prisoners that he brought with him on the ships… were prisoners from the Spanish Inquisitions.…..
yes Jews!
It’s part of the beauty of growing up there in El Paso. I was so Blessed to grow up around my people of many ancestor roots. And as I research and study I learn more of why we did the things we did and how heritage was lost, abandoned, or forced out. Sometimes, it is difficult to read about my people from all lines being harmed or persecuted, but I also I honestly love it! Love it? Yes, because everything that has happened or will happen has been according to the Word of G-D. Please read Deuteronomy or Devarim and I think others might understand.. especially chapter 28.
Moving on….
I can honestly say I had the most wonderful childhood…. I am very grateful to HaShem our mighty Father for allowing me to grow up there!
Shout out to all my people in the #915 and proud! Go Rockets! Go N.E. Cobras!
#thankyouHaShem
So What is the definition of Judeo-Spanish?:
Judeo-Spanish is a language used by Jews originating from Spain. It flourished in the Ottoman Empire after the expulsion from Spain and continued its existence there (Penny 1996). Some of the expelled Jews settled in North Africa and used the Judeo-Spanish variety known as Hakitia (Haketia) (Benoliel 1977). In the beginning of the 21st century, Judeo-Spanish is an endangered language for lack of new native speakers.
Names of the Language
The language is known as Spanyolit or Espanyolit (in Israel), Espanyol, Ladino, Romance, Franco Espanyol, Judeo-Espanyol, Jidyo or Judyo, Judezmo, Zargon, etc., in the Ottoman Empire communities, and either Hakitia or just Espanyol in North Africa. Other names are used as well, but Judezmo (meaning Judaism, too), Ladino, or Judeo-Espanyol (Judeo-Spanish) are the most common. It should be noted that among some scholars Ladino is used to denote the Judeo-Spanish mirror-image type language of liturgical translations from Hebrew.
Do you like History, Music, and or Learning?!?
Great so do I!
Let me share some of what I found and love!
I was able to find a couple of sources to possibly learn Judeo- Spanish. I do hope those who are interested in learning Judeo- Spanish find the sources helpful. But, of course if others provide or know of sources… and resources to learn Judeo- Spanish, please feel feel to post in the comments.
Learning sources:
Sephardic Studies at the University of Washington
The Sound of the Ladino / Judaeo-Spanish language (Numbers, Greetings & Sample Text
And how about some wonderful Sephardic music to listen to?
Casa Feliz Historic Home & Venue
I will be doing it’s own article and video later, but in case others are looking to learn Hebrew and just can’t wait to get started….might I suggest:
I use learn Hebrew in 6 weeks one can find the program on Facebook , IG, and youtube. I love the program soooo much and it has helped me and the hoped the student groups learn; I just bought all the readers.
Yes, all!
The best this is the videos are on Youtube to help to assist and I have messaged her personally and @MiikoShaffier is so kind and approachable. I honest can’t get enough! I bought a Kindle just to be able to practice while traveling.
I shared this on the What Marie Likes portion of the website for those who would like to take a look around. Like I said I am working on putting a video together about the program so I won’t go into everything I love here…so subscribe and keep a look out for G-D willing early January.
As far as learning Hebrew or Judeo-Spanish from other sources:
I do not watch much secular t.v. A couple of years ago.. I just realized it was a waste of time and honestly can of brainwashing. There I was sitting watching hours or others living their life. Meanwhile I was over weight and depressed wishing I could be… or do.. or have.. or live… whatever. One day in Prayer, I felt like G-D Blessed be He…. said or pointed out….. well if you spend as much time reading my Torah as you do those shows you wouldn’t be so down and unhealthy. Wonderful Merciful HaShem is Truly the Spirit of Truth.
I admit it did take a while to detox from the addiction that is secular t.v., music and so on, but yes…. I am soooooooo much more at peace.
Peace is priceless?!?
Well, Peace ….. it only cost what you are willing to turn away from so not so much, but I will say it is worth it!
Recently, I have subscribe to a Jewish video streaming app. For a variety of reasons, but to be quite honest… the more I learn about the beauty of my Jewish History and traditions… the more I want to reject or even am turned off by the what is pushed as “entertainment” on t.v. …to include music, and books.
Although I still love history books and classics in general. # books on books yes and thank you HaShem.
Since, I do my best to avoid watching secular t.v. for a couple of years now… I have increased or transferred my love of reading history to to watching or listening to history. Below are two sources I do enjoy …..
Some classes I have watched before regarding Judaeo History are from Dr. Henry Abramson on Youtube and on Spotify listening to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe.
Origins of Sephardic Jewry Dr. Henry Abramson
The Jewish History Podcast Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe
So what do you think?
Are you too ready to start learning or watching or listening to some awesome
Judeo-Spanish or Hebrew?! Let me know in the comments your thoughts.
I pray others do take time out this season and every season to focus on our creator and give Him and Him alone all the Glory, Honor, and Praise…for saving our Nation then and now. And maybe perhaps learn a bit of some Covenant of Good Speech or Brit Lashon HaTov.
in closing…….
This weeks word was selected at random from my personally owned The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic 2001 copyright 1st edition.
I’m not paid to endorse nor affiliated. This book is from my personal library. I purchased this book from Thriftbooks.com you can get your own personal low price copy using the link below.
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Season 5 of the Bible Study is on break until January 3, 2023. Please fell free to catch up on the Bibles Studies and other videos We have uploaded on YouTube
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Until next time, with God’s beautiful Mercy and Grace we will see each other soon.,
Marie.