Sephardic Tradition
Posted by Kree Arvanitas/Gilded Lilies on September 14, 1999 at 13:57:45:
In Reply to: Henna and jews posted by zak. on September 09, 1999 at 20:34:42:
: Can jews wear henna?
Absolutely! Here is a link to a Sephardic henna page:
http://www.jewishglobe.com/Morocco/
There is a small, but thriving Sephardic Jewish community in Marrakech, Morocco. The above link is to a Jewish henna artist in Toronto. I had another link to "Glenn & Judy's Wedding", but unfortunately that page isn't there anymore.
Henna is allowed in Sephardic traditions because it does not pierce, damage or change the skin in any way, and water can pass through it. I believe henna was probably a joint/cooperative event between Arab & Jewish communities in Andalucia during the Moorish Golden Age circa 800 - 1200 CE.
This is a subject I am really interested in, and you should write to Catherine for her beautiful henna patterns, and also the historical henna section. If you find out anything of interest in your search for information, I would also appreciate receiving more.