Without the benefit of reference (I am on the faculty room computer not in my home library) and with the benefit of the rusty memory, I think the term, "Sephardic Jews," may redate the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Spain that occurred between about 1100 and 1492. When the Christians finally took Granada, they issued a decree requiring all non-Christians (Moslems and Jews) to either leave, convert, or die. Most left, becoming members of established Jewish communities around Europe. Up a few posts, someone makes reference to Portugal. I thin (emphasis: THINK) that the Azkenazi (again, me too on spelling) were from Portugal.
If my memory works on this when I get home, I'll check into this further.
Bob Potter
