Differences between Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish traditions
Executive summary
Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews share the core beliefs and rituals of Judaism but differ in liturgy, pronunciation, holiday customs, cuisine and some halakhic rulings — for example, many Sephardim permit kitniyot (rice, beans, corn) on Passover while Ashkenazim traditionally avoid them [1] [2]. Sephardic prayer rites and melodies, different holiday food customs (dates/black‑eyed peas for Rosh Hashanah, sufganiyot for Hanukkah) and earlier Selichot observance are well‑documented distinctions [3] [4] [5] [2].
1. Historical roots and geographic identity
The terms point to different historical geographies: Ashkenazim trace much of their recent ancestry to central and eastern Europe; Sephardim trace origins to Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East [1] [6]. Those geographic origins shaped language contact, legal authorities and cultural customs that persist in community practice and liturgy [6].
2. Liturgy, prayer text and melodies
Prayer structure and melody differ sharply. Sephardic services use distinct nusach (rite) and musical modes; liturgical poems (piyyutim) and when they are recited can differ from Ashkenazic practice [6] [7]. Magen David Sephardic notes Sephardic synagogue worship is generally Orthodox in form but with its own rites and tunes [8].
3. Hebrew pronunciation and textual variation
Pronunciation traditions diverged over centuries: Ashkenazic and Sephardic Hebrew sounds reflect different historical languages and influences [6]. Textual differences in Torah scrolls are minimal but can exist—one reported single‑letter variant occurs in Deuteronomy 23:2 between some Ashkenazi and Sephardic scrolls [8].
4. Halakhic practice and Passover rules
Halakhic rulings differ on practical matters. The most widely cited example is kitniyot: many Sephardim permit rice, corn and legumes on Passover while Ashkenazim customarily avoid them [1] [2]. These differences reflect distinct rabbinic rulings and communal custom rather than contradiction of core law [1].
5. Holiday customs and cuisine
Holiday observance varies in foods and rituals: Ashkenazi Hanukkah tables favor potato latkes; Sephardic communities often emphasize sufganiyot or different fried foods [4] [9]. Rosh Hashanah customs include Sephardic symbolic foods like dates and black‑eyed peas, whereas Ashkenazi tables emphasize honey, apples and dishes such as kugel or brisket in many communities [5] [10].
6. Family practice, synagogues and community life
Sephardic synagogues often maintain community‑specific customs such as when Selichot prayers begin (Sephardic Selichot beginning earlier in Elul at some congregations) and other communal practices; Magen David Sephardic describes a Sephardic focus while welcoming Ashkenazi members, illustrating contemporary mixing [3] [8]. Differences also appear in customs like how many menorahs to light for Hanukkah—some Sephardic customs favor a single household menorah while Ashkenazi custom can have each person light [9] [2].
7. Authority, scholarship and cross‑pollination
Both traditions produced major halakhic authorities and scholars who influenced wider Jewish law: medieval Sephardic figures like Maimonides had a broad impact, while Ashkenazi commentators also shaped practice [6]. Modern migration and Israeli standardization have increased cross‑influence; the Sephardi pronunciation largely informs Modern Hebrew pronunciation today [11].
8. Where sources disagree or simplify
Sources highlight clear differences but also note overlap and regional diversity. Some sites present general rules (e.g., kitniyot) as categorical [1] [2] while community webpages stress internal variety and convergence—Magen David states Sephardic tradition itself spans many countries and can include Ashkenazi members [8]. Available sources do not mention every nuance (e.g., local Yemenite, Ethiopian or Italian variations) beyond noting their existence and that they don’t always fit the two‑box division [1] [6].
9. Practical takeaway for newcomers
Expect shared core beliefs and major festivals, but learn local practice: which nusach the shul uses, Passover kitniyot customs, melodies, holiday foods and when penitential rites begin. Community websites and synagogue guides are the best next step to learn specific customs [8] [3] [2].
Limitations: this summary relies on the provided sources and does not cover every regional variant or recent scholarly debate not included in those excerpts; where a claim is not in these sources, it is noted as not found in current reporting [1] [6].