Just as Passover comes to a close, Sephardic Jews all over the world celebrate a lesser-known holiday called Mimouna. This 200-year-old holiday’s origins are unknown. Some believe it is related to celebrating the life of Jewish thinker Maimonides, whose Yahrzeit is on this day. Others explain that the word “Mimouna” is derived from the Arabic word ma’amoun, which is related to good wealth and fortune. Others associate it with the Hebrew word “emunah,” or belief, signaling our belief in redemption and a messianic age.

Sephardic Jews celebrate this holiday with a lavish feast filled with many delicious foods including challah, moufleta, and stuffed dates. We are blessed that fellow TBE member Deb Villaneuva shared some of her favorite recipes with us.