Welcome Bernice Heilbrunn as our guest teacher for Jews of Color:  Black Jews in Africa, Israel, and the US. 

All through Sub-Saharan Africa, black Jewish groups are emerging - or re-emerging. Some are heirs to origin stories that trace their lineage to the proverbial Ten Lost Tribes. Others are converts or children of converts. Most love Israel but are happy to stay put; the Beta Israel always dreamt of Jerusalem. In five classes, we'll be inspired by black Sub-Saharan Jews and black Jews in the US who are passionate about their Judaism.

We will get to know the Beta Israel from Ethiopia as they heroically traverse dangerous territory to get to Jerusalem, leaving behind mud huts and mud wall synagogues for new lives.  We will stay with them as they transform themselves within a generation, adapting to modern Israel and becoming Ethiopian Israelis. We will learn of the goodwill of Israelis mixed with racism and massive public demonstrations by previously quiet people now asserting their rights. 

Finally, we'll cross continents to talk about black Jews in the US. We will ask ourselves, "How do we embrace one another as we pursue the future of Judaism together?"

Sundays February 26, March 12, April 2, 16, 23 | 11:00 am | Freedman Levit Sanctuary