American Ladino League 

I am so excited to announce the launch of the American Ladino League, of which I am on the board! 
The mission: The American Ladino League (ALL) supports the diverse and growing community of Ladino speakers and educators in the United States. We believe in opening Ladino studies to all who are interested. Whatever your background, whatever your goals – our suite of programs and resources will help you on your Ladino journey. 

Check it all out by clicking below:

New Web Series: The Livros Lookout!  

After 2 full years of weekly postings of the Refran Rundown, in which I dissected entertaining (and wise!) Ladino proverbs, I launched my new series, the Livros Lookout, at the start of 2024! In this weekly series I present books across genres (novels, history, poetry, children's books, resource books and more) that contain Ladino words or phrases. Get those reading glasses ready and be on the lookout with me via my pages on TikTok, IG or Facebook!

Passing the Torch 

What a beautiful way to end 2023 by passing the torch on to the next recipient of the Young Leadership Award at the Sephardic Brotherhood of America's International Sephardic Community Gala in new York City. As the honoree in 2021, it was my pleasure this year to pass the award on to the extraordinary historian and professor, Dr. Devin E. Naar. He has done so much through his position at the University of Washington, Seattle to build up the profile of Sephardic studies the world over. He couldn't be more deserving! 

                                   

100th Refran Rundown!  

I did it! I just posted the 100th episode of my weekly Refran Rundown (Ladino proverb breakdown)! I began the project 2 years ago as a way to engage with more people around aspects of Ladino culture that I love. Each week I've selected a proverb, or refran, and given my interpretation of the sometimes silly and obscure sayings. It has been a delight! You can catch all of them so far on my TikTok, Instagram or YouTube channels, enjoy! 

Light in the Darkness  

It has been a challenging month with the recent horrific attacks in Israel and the violent aftermath affecting so many innocent people. When life feels dark, I cling to what inspires me. And this woman surely does. This remarkable human (my first cousin from my grandfather) was born in Salonika, Greece and grew up in Monastir (now Bitola, N. Macedonia) and was one of the 2% of Jews from that city who survived WWII. This month she turned 106 (!!!!!) years young. She has survived multiple wars, multiple bouts of COVID and much hardship in her 106 years of life. Yes she still offers grace, blessings and hope to everyone who is lucky enough to know her. She is my light in the darkness. 

Savor Trip Adventure #2! 

I can't believe I get to do this for work! Our first trip was such a success, that I am leading another trip with my Savor co-director Susan Barocas next spring 2024. Join us as we explore Roman Jewish culture and then sail the luxury Oceania Sirena to fabulous ports in the Mediterranean tasting and discovering the richness of Sephardic culture past and present. Join us! Click on the image below to learn more.

Why it All Matters 

THIS! I've taken part of this summer off to work on writing. And I came across this note online about my recently published board book, Mazal Bueno!. THIS is exactly why we need diverse books for tots, and Jewish ones at that! So happy that my little book can generate big feelings of pride and joy. Stay tuned for big book announcements coming soon… 

 

Listening to the Past 

I might be known for my contemporary compositions and interpretations of Ladino music, but so much of what I do is influenced by the past. I was recently gifted some Ladino records of “traditional” songs, and am loving every minute listening to and getting lost in them. It's always inspirational to be infused with the past as I create for the future. Side note: happy to receive gifts life this anytime! 😉

Ladino Perspective  

I had the chance this month to take a little break and climb a mountain in Snowbird, Utah. What a blessing it was to get some perspective from that height! Look out for some new ways I'll be thinking about sharing Ladino culture in the months to come!

Turkish Delight! 

Words can't express what an amazing experience it was to take my new project, Savor, on the road - overseas! Beginning in Athens and ending in Istanbul, the two week adventure included hands-on cooking, singing, exploring and sharing with a beautiful group that I led along with Savor co-director, Chef Susan Barocas. 
Here's just a little taste. 
Stay tuned for information on trips being planned already for 2024!

Join our mailing list for the latest news