Jews of Color Initiative

Join the LA Pro Network on March 26th, 6-8:30pm for an immersive ritual-based workshop cultivating leadership that honors both personal integrity and collective wellbeing led by Kimberly Ariella Due?as. This immersive workshop invites participants to explore the wisdom of heart-centered leadership through practices rooted in Latin American ancestral traditions and earth-based connection. Together we'll taste cacao, a sacred plant that wisdom keepers of past, present and future have revered for its ability to gently open the heart space and foster authentic connection with ourselves and others. As we journey through mindfulness practices and reflective exercises, participants will explore their compassionate leadership potential. Register now at bit.ly/LAProNet-March!

Our friends at Camp Tawonga are offering a Jewish Families of Color Weekend from September 25-28, 2025! An intentional affinity space for families that include at least one Person of Color in their household, this weekend will celebrate multiracial and multiethnic Jewish community and culture and offer all of the classic Tawonga Family Camp hits, like joyous song sessions, boating on the lake, arts & crafts, a community shabbat celebration, talent show, and more. There will also be fabulous adult workshops led by amazing JOC leaders! Financial assistance is available. Learn more and sign up at tawonga.org/JOC Questions? Reach out to [email protected]

Reminder to register! What role can anger play in becoming an effective leader? How can processing our own feelings of anger shape our growth as community builders and leaders? Join the NY JoC Pro Network on March 19th from 6-8pm ET as we explore examples of anger in the Tanakh alongside passages of Cathy Park Hong’s "Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning." In this session, led by Rabbi Becky Jaye, we will explore the potential of our anger to become holy and core to our missions to lead responsibly. Register now at bit.ly/NYPro-Net-March

At the core of Evan Traylor’s leadership is the idea that all humans are created b’tzelem Elohim—“in the image of God”—a concept found in the very beginning of Torah. “If each and every person, not only Jews, but every person in the world, is created in the image of God,” Traylor said, “that calls us to not only be nice to them, but to love them and to fight to ensure they have live a life filled with goodness.” For Traylor, building strong, compassionate communities that fight for justice and peace for all people is at the core of his Judaism. Read more about Evan Traylor's leadership as a rabbinical student, life-long leader, and JoCI Board member: https://ow.ly/k6zM50V9yJm

Jewtina y Co.'s inaugural Latin-Jewish Film Festival celebrates the rich tapestry of Latin-Jewish identity through cinema, bringing together Los Angeles' Jewish community through three carefully selected films screened over three months. Designed primarily for LA's young professional community, the festival resonates with all interested in exploring multicultural Jewish identities, Latin American culture, and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ezNB53u8 #LatinJews #FilmFestival #JewsOfColor

"As a formerly undocumented American Jew, I know the intense fear that undocumented immigrants are living with right now. I also believe the Jewish community has a meaningful opportunity to step up and support immigrants in impactful ways — if we come together with the will and commitment to do so." Read more from this timely op-ed by Analucía Lopezrevoredo in J. The Jewish News of Northern California: https://lnkd.in/eH36TMgu

Food is more than sustenance—it is a powerful portal into memory, family histories, and cultural traditions. When people share recipes, they share more than ingredients; they pass down stories, values, and identities from each generation to the next. Two projects, both supported by grants from our Intergenerational Relationships for Cultural Preservation RFP, beautifully illustrate how food transmits cultural identity l’dor vador — from generation to generation. One project, Emaye’s Kitchen, led by Dr. Beza Abebe, highlights Ethiopian Jewish culinary traditions. The other, Tastes of Tradition, a video series from The Braidspearheaded by David Chiu, showcases multigenerational Jewish families sharing their food and family histories. Learn more about these inspiring new projects: https://lnkd.in/dbh6sS5b

In her role as the Program Manager of Cultural Shift, the Cultural Shift survey findings anchor every aspect of Sabina Spicer’s work at TischPDX. She is proud of those in the JoC community who were willing to share their experiences for the purpose of strengthening community belonging and opportunities: “For JoC to say, I want to be counted and I want to be shown…we are standing up and saying what we need, and we can’t be ignored.” Learn more about the incredible leadership of Sabina Spicer as she implements the findings of a JoCI-funded survey by TischPDX on Jews of Color in the Pacific Northwest: https://lnkd.in/eckMM2xd

What role can anger play in becoming an effective leader? How can processing our own feelings of anger shape our growth as community builders and leaders? Join the NY JoC Pro Network on March 19th as we explore examples of anger in the Tanakh alongside passages of Cathy Park Hong’s "Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning." In this session, led by Rabbi Becky Jaye, we will explore the potential of our anger to become holy and core to our missions to lead responsibly. Register now at bit.ly/NYPro-Net-March #JewsOfColor #JoCINewYork

"You’ve heard of the rabbi shortage, but have you heard of the untapped rabbinical talent pipeline? From my vantage point leading Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy, there are clear solutions in recruiting, cultivating and elevating untapped talent...When we as a Jewish community are able to give tailored and unique support for specific groups of people, we are ensuring they get the chance to share their Torah, leadership and wisdom with the whole Jewish community — and everyone can benefit from that." Click to read more from this op-ed by Alexandra Corwin, Executive Director of Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy: https://ow.ly/rzcj50V8lNv