The Past Meets the Present

A few years later in a new school I found myself taking a different course.
I became engaged in building a Jewish community at the university. My
participation in Hillel and leadership on Birthright trips led
me to a crossroads. While sitting on a rock in the Negev and looking
out on the gorgeous desert I thought, “How can I help multi-ethnic
Jews feel welcome in all Jewish communities?” I realized that there
should be something out there for us that is peer driven and built from
the bottom up. Moreover, those of us who are products of intermarriage
should be at the forefront of this work. What if I could share
my story of being from two separate worlds with others who have similar
experiences in an environment created and run by Dual Heritage Jews?
What if there were something out there where the “Half Jew” wasn’t
told to choose sides? If only we could create a safe environment in
which to explore and discuss the issues we faced growing up and in some
cases still face. Novel idea, right?

Since that amazing experience in the Negev, I have found myself in the company of individuals who share my vision. Together we are dedicated to make this dream a reality. Our
project is called Jews in ALL Hues. We provide safe spaces to
come together and explore what it means to be a Dual Heritage Jew in
today’s world while being accepted for all that you are. Our first
conference was in May of 2009 in Philadelphia. Our next conference will
be on May 30, 2010 in San Francisco (co-sponsored by Birthright Israel
NEXT Bay Area and Philadelphia). If you or somebody you know is
a Dual Heritage Jew and would like the to join us for our Bay Area
conference,
please RSVP here! www.birthrightisrael.com/jewsinALLhues

(This blog post may be featured on other places such as Alef: The NEXT Conversation in the near future. www.alefnext.com)