“What is this Sephardi mentality that everyone is always talking about. I’m not saying there isn’t one, but could somebody please break it down for me? “
CR10 put it simply: “AM ECHAD B’LEV ECHAD”
Sephardic connection to Hashem is more emotional (some may call spiritual). Sephardim are more into unity and Simcha.
Ashkanazim are more intellectual in their approach to Hashem and religion. Even when being apikorsim, they create an intellectual approach, like Reform. A non-religious Sephardi does what he does. BTW Sephardim can live with more contradictions in life, including on Shul for frum and frei. Intellectualism comes with more individualism – I think on my own.