## *JEWISH BULGARIA: A VIRTUAL SEPHARDIC JOURNEY*## *WITH JOSEPH BENATOV*## *SEPHARDIC WORLD, SUNDAY 22 JANUARY 2023*Join us for a dynamic interactive trip through Bulgaria’s rich Jewish heritage. We will focus on notable moments and individuals from the rich and varied history of Sephardic life in Bulgaria. Our virtual tour will start with the arrival of Iberian Jews to the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the first Sephardic communities in towns such as Nikopol, Sofia, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Russe (Ruschuk), Vidin, and Samokov. Learn about some of the most prominent Sephardic rabbis, intellectuals, and merchants from Bulgarian history. For those interested in conducting genealogical and historical research, the presentation will also offer a historiographic overview of the main sources on Bulgarian Jewish history.***Joseph Benatov*** holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches Hebrew. He is originally from Bulgaria and a member of Sofia’s Jewish community. Joseph has over 20 years of experience leading travelers across the Balkans, including UNESCO representatives, 92nd Street Y visitors, JDC board members, and Anti-Defamation League officials. He lectures regularly on the history of Jewish life in Bulgaria and on Balkan Sephardic culture. Every summer Joseph leads Jewish heritage tours to the Sephardic Balkans. You can find out more at https://sephardicbalkans.com/Please note this is a live meeting for patrons only. There will be no recording. There will be no YouTube broadcast or recording. This meeting is on Sunday 22 January 2023 at 11am in LA, 2pm NYC, 7pm London, 8pm Paris/Amsterdam and 9pm Jerusalem. Patrons can join us on Zoom. The link is shared at our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/sephardiDo you have family or friends who may wish to join our mailing list? Please share this link: https://www.sephardic.world/sephardic-worldLast week's talk by Jeff Malka is available online: Eight Centuries of a Sephardic Family: The Malka Family, 1282-2022. You can access the library of past Sephardic World talks through the Sephardic Genealogical Society website.The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies is holding its 2023 conference in London from 30 July to 3 August. We hope to see you there!*Best wishes**Ton and David**Sephardic World**Image: Sofia synagogue balcony*