About

Welcome to The Ladino High School of America — where culture comes alive, history has a heartbeat, and Sephardic pride takes center stage!

Why “bivas”? Because in Ladino, “bivas” means “to live.” And that’s exactly what we’re doing — bringing Ladino to life!

We’re not your average classroom. We’re a national, student-powered movement bringing Ladino — the Judeo-Spanish language of the Sephardic world — into the lives of the next generation with local events and bi-yearly national shabbatons. Our teens study with preeminent Sephardic scholars, learn traditional Ladino texts, Ladino songs and liturgies as well as join a community of insightful and motivated peers and mentors from across North America. Bivas teens cultivate a desire for and capacity to lead meaningful Sephardic Jewish lives!

At Bivas, you’ll find high school students from all backgrounds (over 30% of our teens are not Sephardic!) coming together to explore the rich, rhythmic world of Ladino language, music, food, tefillot (prayers) and social programming. Whether we’re singing ancient Sephardic romantic ballads, learning how to say “what’s up” in Ladino, learning Solitreo cursive form, or cooking up some biscochos and yaprakes, every session is a journey through Sephardic time and space. Bivas is a collaborative learning experience – Students are assigned to a local chapter that are facilitated by madrichim and mentors who are experts in the Ladino language and traditions and our regional chapters host local gatherings throughout the year.

National Shabbatonim

Bivas hosts two in-person, weekend programs (Fri-Sun) with immersive Jewish learning, Shabbat observance and student-led discussions twice a year. The Shabbatonim are also an opportunity for the students to gather from across North America and Canada to share and partner in the Ladino/Sephardic experience. Students will also have the opportunity to engage and learn about tefillah (prayer) and the Sephardic-Ladino ritual with experiences and classes led by community wide Rabbis and scholars.

We’re not just preserving a language — we’re reviving a culture. From online classes to pop-up events, music collabs, digital content, and even memes (yes, Ladino memes are a thing), we’re turning Sephardic tradition into inspiration and creating a space where Sephardic Ladino identity thrives.

So whether you grew up hearing Ladino from your nonna, or you’re discovering it for the first time — there’s a seat at the table for you!

Do you know a Jewish teen who would be a great candidate for our club? Contact us!

Ladino High School of America: Learn it. Live it. Bivas!