Across the country and in virtual spaces, groups of Ladino learners are gathering to read, study, and echar lashon (chat). Some of these clubs are more official, while others are less formal; some meet in person, while others connect via Zoom, WhatsApp, and Discord. The most important thing is that people are sharing the language with each other.
Whether you’re in Los Angeles, West Palm Beach, Boston, NYC, or anywhere else, we hope that you will consider the American Ladino League a resource for your local group! Microgrants are available on a rolling basis to provide a financial boost for Ladino-related grassroots events in your community. Please reach out here if you are interested in applying.
Two examples of local groups we are currently supporting are Muestro Lashon in Boston and the Seattle Ladineros. Muestro Lashon (Our Language) is a newer group co-led by Yinnon Sanders and Naomi Spector. Their focus is on Sephardi language, culture, and history. Examples of programs include a Sephardi Hanukkah party, Shabbat dinners, and studying Sephardi folk rituals. Muestro Lashon received a microgrant from the ALL in 2025.
The Seattle Ladineros are a long-standing study club that has been led by different facilitators over the past few decades. Many members were born in Seattle’s Central District, the heart of the Sephardic community in the early 20th century, and learned Ladino as their first language. The Ladineros now have a diverse intergenerational group that includes descendants of the original members, UW students, and people from across the community. Dr. Hannah Pressman, ALL’s co-director, has been the Ladineros facilitator for two years. You can read her reflection about the experience here.
As Naomi Spector recently told Lilith Magazine, “I cannot overstate how powerful it is just to get us together in the same space so we can meet each other, communicate, and start to build together. Judeo-Spanish speaking groups and language learning groups are popping up on Zoom, and different clubs are being formed in person across many regions of this continent. Let’s grow this movement!”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.