What do Jews Look Like?
Black Jews, Asian Jews, Latino Jews, we tend to see them as exotic, from somewhere far away. But there are Black Jews, Asian Jews and Latino Jews sitting right next to you – in synagogue, in a restaurant, at the theater, on a park bench. Rabbi Mates-Muchin, a Chinese Jew, and Kim Carter, a Black Jew, have contributed terrific insight and energy to help me develop a program this fall about the experience of multiracial Jews. Why is Building Jewish Bridges addressing this? Because the majority of multiracial Jewish families are also interfaith. Issues come up for Black Jews marrying white non-Jews and forever being slotted as the non-Jewish partner. Asians in America are pegged as immigrants despite being fourth generation Americans. What are the added challenges for multiracial families and how can we all do a better job of embracing the full spectrum of our diverse community? Maybe YOU are in a multiracial Jewish family and have questions, a need for support, wisdom to share or just something you need to get off your chest. I hope you’ll join us for one of the lectures and panel discussions we have planned.
September Programs
50% Jewish, 100% Welcome
Are you 50% Jewish? Or are you 100% Jewish recognized 50% of the time?
Or 25% Jewish and 100% proud?
Come meet other fascinating fractions in a welcoming environment to do the math.
Join us for a casual dinner and conversation at a restaurant in Mountain View. Register here and we’ll reply with the restaurant location.
The first ten people to register get dinner free!
Date: Thursday, Sept. 8
Time: 6:30pm
Place: A restaurant in Mountain View. Directions will be emailed to registrants.
Contact Dawn at 510-845-6420 x11 or dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org with questions.
Cosponsored by Congregation Shir Hadash
Please note, this program is only for people from interfaith families themselves.
Cooking Jewish: Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah: A new year! What a great time to be together with family, to eat, tell stories, and create memories. What if you’re not Jewish but you’re responsible for your family’s holiday celebrations? Or maybe you are Jewish, but haven’t found a way to make Rosh Hashanah feel fun. Join us for cooking and sharing recipes, ideas, and activities to make a fabulous holiday for you and your loved ones!
Date: Sunday, September 11
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Place: Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills
Cost: $25 for the public; $20 for members of Beth Am
To register: http://bit.ly/nji64x
Photo Exhibit: Scattered Among the Nations
Writer/photographer Bryan Schwartz has visited dozens of isolated Jewish communities around the world. In his photo exhibit, Scattered Among the Nations, he documents populations that remain on the geographic and cultural fringes of the Jewish Diaspora. From the Benei Menashe tribes in the hills of northeastern India to the Abayudaya of Mbale, Uganda, from the Inca Jews of the Peruvian Andes to the Jewish community of Rusape, each of whom continue to maintain their Jewish practice, rituals and culture. Bryan will speak about his remarkable journey and the Jews he met.
Date: Sunday, Sept. 18
Time: 5pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
Free. Reception precedes Mr. Schwartz’ talk.
This is the FIRST event of a year long look at Jews of Color. See the full series here:
http://catalog.lehrhaus.org/series/2011/fall/A500-TS/