Sephardi is one major group of Jews, with family roots tracing back to Spain, China, Turkey, Iran, and other countries. The other major group is Ashkenazi, with roots tracing
…back to Germany, Poland, Russia, etc. Each group has slightly different traditions in prayers and holiday rituals. For example, Sephardis eat rice on Passover and Ashkenazi do not. And then there are Jews like me, who converted to Judaism and have no family history of Sephardi or Ashkenazi. Generally a convert will take on whatever are the "roots" of the congregation they join. Traditionally after marriage the woman takes on the tradition of the husband, the same as she takes on his last name in America. I do know that times have changed, and there are probably couples who decide together which customs to follow. All of the above information regarding rituals and prayers is from the standpoint of Orthodox Judaism. I don't think there is a difference in religious practice for Sephardi vs Ashkenazi in the Reform synagogues, and maybe not in Conservative. Genetically, there are several hereditary diseases known to be prevalent among Jews of Ashkenazi background. Other than Tay-Sachs, I don't know what other diseases. (MORE)