About this talk

Join us for a dynamic interactive trip through Bulgaria's rich Jewish heritage. Our virtual tour will explore Bulgaria's largest cities, Sofia and Plovdiv, and include a visit inside the sumptuous Neo-Moorish Sofia Synagogue.

Other highlights along the way include the medieval capital, the grand Rila Monastery, and the mountain town of Samokov, home to the affluent Arie dynasty. You will have a chance to learn about the history and culture of the Bulgarian Sephardic Jews.

We will discuss the historical details surrounding the survival of 50,000 Bulgarian Jews during the Holocaust, and we will note some of the most prominent politicians, clergymen, and intellectuals who stood up for their Jewish neighbors. We will also discuss the migration of Bulgarian Jews to Jaffa, Israel, between 1948 and 1952, following the establishment of the State of Israel. Finally, Joseph will also share with participants personal family stories of growing up in Bulgaria and being part of the country's vibrant Jewish community.

About Joseph

Joseph Benatov holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also teaches Hebrew. He is originally from Bulgaria and is a member of Sofia's Jewish community. Joseph has over 15 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 Balkan Sephardic culture. Every summer Joseph leads Sephardic trips to the Balkans. You can find out more at https://sephardicbalkans.com/