Shalom!
This site is dedicated to the memory of those rabbis, teachers, and
leaders who struggled over many generations and against great odds to
bring the light of Torah to a people returning to their God.
Inside This Issue
In Memory
Dr. Gary Tobin
1949-2009
The Israelite community mourns the passing of Gary
Tobin, a Mench whose love of the Jewish people extended to
Jews of color around the world. While many praise his many
accomplishments as president of the Institute for Jewish and
Community Research, we remember him most fondly for his unique and
steadfast commitment to acceptance, inclusion, and appreciation of
the racial and cultural diversity that already exists among Jews but
is seldom acknowledged. (Read
Tribute)
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The first annual Israelite Family
Reunion was a tremendous success. Congregations from all over the
New York City area participated and we had visitors join us from as
far away as Israel. Rabbi Benyamin Levy, President of the New York
chapter of the Israelite Board of Rabbis, said that he was delighted
to see the “love and unity” that exists among Black Jews today.
It was a beautiful day at Flushing
Meadows Park in Queens. Many congregations set up barbeques under
their own banners and most people wore blue and white T-Shirts that
said in Hebrew “We Are Family”. There was a trip to the museum and
zoo, a few friendly chess matches, basketball, jump rope, and lots
of fun. Our spirits were flying as high as the children’s kites. As
the sun set, we formed a huge outer circle, all of our leaders
joined hands around our elders who stood in an inner circle. (video
of circle) We sung the Shemah and Hene Matov and
ended with a prayer.
Rabbinit Malchah Netenyahu, an ordained
Torah scholar who has recently joined the faculty of the Israelite
Academy after graduating from the Jewish Theological Seminary,
offers insight and analysis into Torah study from an interesting
perspective. Her most recent article is an introduction to Devarim
(Deuteronomy). We look forward to continuing this series with
contributions from various rabbis. (Read
essay)
2002-2009.Legal Notice. Use of photographs, audio, or text from this site is strictly forbidden without written permission. No links or references may be made to this site or our organization that does not promote peace and understanding among all people. If referring to information on this site, keep all quotes in context and provide proper attribution to its source.
Announcements
Please come to meet,
greet, and fellowship with us at the first annual Israelite Family Reunion.
It will be held at the beautiful Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, NY on
Sunday, August 9th.
There will be many family activities including: races, volleyball,
chess, basketball and trips to the local museum and zoo. All are welcome!
(Program
Details)
Message from the Editor
When we created our first web site; it was little more than a simple beacon on the internet signaling that we are here and we are not alone. Since that time we have striven to make the quality of our interaction more meaningful on every level. It is our goal to be a bridge and a network--particularly to those who are searching for a supportive environment that affirms rather than challenges our identity. (Continue)
