(adj. Ashkenazic). The term now used for Jews who derive from northern Europe and who generally follow the customs originating in medieval German Judaism, in contradistinction to Sephardic Judaism, which has its distinctive roots in Spain and the Mediterranean (see Sephardim). Originally the designation Ashkenaz referred to a people and country bordering on Armenia and the upper Euphrates; in medieval times, it came to refer to the Jewish area of settlement in northwest Europe (northern France and western Germany). By extension, it now refers to Jews of northern and eastern European background (including Russia) with their distinctive liturgical practices or religious and social customs.
(Hebrew, "native of Germany"), pl. Ashkenazim — Jews from central and eastern Europe, distinguished from the Sephardim by their religious rituals, customs, foods, and pronunciation of Hebrew. Until the twentiethth century, the primary language of the Ashkenazim was Yiddish. See Sephardi.
A biblical word which became the collective description for the Jewish community of Europe.
In reference to Jews of European or Eastern European descent. (see also Judaism)
a Jew of central or east European origin or ancestry.
Jews from eastern and northern Europe and their descendents, to be distinguished from Sephardic Jews.
(Pl. Ashkenazim) Referring to Jews who lived in central Europe. Ashkenaz is the Hebrew for Germany. The name is mentioned in Genesis 10, 3. Ashkenazi Jews have a slightly different Hebrew accent from the Sephardim and the text of some of their prayers are also different. Within the Ashkenazi Jews, it was possible to detect differences in accent between areas like, Poland, Latvia, Hungary, etc.
Jews from European countries excluding Spain
a Jew of eastern European or German descent
Jews whose ancestors emigrated from eastern and central Europe, particularly Germany, Poland and Russia. More than 90 percent of Jews in the United States are of Ashkenazi descent.
European and Western Jewish tradition.
Jewish person of Eastern European descent. See also Sephardi.
Eastern and central European Jews also, Jews from France; Ashkenazi have customs that differ from Sephardic Jews.
Refers to Jews of Central & Eastern European heritage. Most dishes thought of today as typically "Jewish" have their roots in the Ashkenazi culinary tradition.
Referring to Jews of Central and Eastern European origin. Plural Ashkenazim
Ancestry traced back to the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe.
A Jewish person of Eastern European descent.
A Jew who originated from Europe (Ashkenaz=Germany). By and large they spoke Yiddish and had similar customs and practises.