Sephardi Jews often complain that Ashkenazim dominate Jewish culture to the point that they are losing aspects of their own cultural identity. The way one studies in a typical Yeshiva, the type of food eaten in honor of the Sabbath, the music, the men's clothing, everything symbolizing Jewish culture from their black hats to their gefilte fish is Ashkenazi. And the Ashkenazim take pride in it as if to say: “Look what an accomplished group we are!”
This isn't surprising, considering that more than 70% of Jews are indeed Ashkenazi. Yet their dominance in Jewish culture is largely exaggerated. In fact, just the opposite can be argued. Even though Sephardis make up only 20% to 30% of world Jewry, their rituals have actually had a profound influence on Ashkenazi Haredi Judaism, especially in Jerusalem. Much of this influence, it should be noted, is quite recent.
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