image sourced from original article at Tamara Cohen, a Philadelphian with Sephardic Jewish roots, moved to Madrid and opened Mazál, a bagel restaurant that has quickly become a local favorite. Cohen gained Spanish citizenship through a law granting it to descendants of Jews expelled during the 1492 Inquisition, connecting her to a history that was nearly erased from Spain. Since opening Mazál in 2020, Cohen has seen Jewish foods like bagels and challah gain popularity among Madrileños, providing a sense of community and continuity for the city's small Jewish population.
Cohen's journey reflects the broader story of Sephardic Jews returning to Spain and reviving traditions lost for centuries. While Mazál has become a hub for Jewish culture and comfort food, Cohen and the Jewish community in Spain face challenges amid rising antisemitism and political tensions over Israel. Despite these difficulties, Cohen remains committed to making Mazál a welcoming space that celebrates her heritage and offers a taste of home to Jews and locals alike.
