Sephardic Jews in Renaissance Italy

Sephardic Jews in Renaissance Italy were descendants of Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century who settled in Italian city-states like Venice and Florence. They contributed significantly to commerce, finance, and cultural exchange, often maintaining their Hebrew traditions and language (Ladino). While they faced occasional discrimination, many found relative stability and became influential in trade and scholarly pursuits. Their presence helped foster vibrant Jewish communities that blended their Sephardic heritage with the broader Renaissance culture, influencing both Jewish life and the wider society during this period.