New Black Rabbis Arise!

On October 27, 2023, seven African-American rabbis graduated from the Israelite Academy at Beth Shalom Bnai Zaken Congregation in Chicago, Illinois. The ceremony was attended by over 300 guests from around the country, many were family and friends of the graduates.

The Israelite Academy is a prestigious institution that has been training Black rabbis since 1925. The Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum and its commitment to producing rabbis who are well-versed in Jewish law and tradition. The Academy functions under the auspices of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis (IIBR). Together with their affiliate congregations, this group represents one of the oldest and largest communities of Black Jews in the world. It was founded by Chief Rabbi W.A. Matthew in  Harlem, New York in 1919. Today, it is led by Chief Rabbi Capers Funnye, who presided over the event.

The graduation ceremony was a joyous occasion, with memorable speeches from faculty and graduates. Rabbi Sholomo B. Levy, President of the IIBR, entitled his remarks, “For Such a Time as This.”. It addressed the unique challenges that this generation of rabbis are likely to face.  Capers Funnye III,  son of the chief rabbi, spoke on behalf of his graduating class.  He reminisced about their long journey to becoming rabbis and the bonds of friendship they forged along the way. Before conferring their degrees and awards, Rabbi Baruch Yehudah, Dean of the Israelite Academy, beamed with pride about this graduating class’s dedication and intellectual ability. He said, “They have fulfilled all of their academic requirements, but they have not quenched their thirst for knowledge.”

On Saturday, October 28^th, the tone of the festivities was elevated from celebratory to spiritual as these graduates prepared to be ordained clergy. They demonstrated their qualifications by leading the prayer service, reading the Torah, and delivering derasha (scholarly analysis) of the scriptural text. While the choir and musicians performed songs from both the Judaic and African American spiritual traditions, the acolytes changed into white robes in preparation for the final step in their consecration.

The congregation stood as the procession began. They chanted the Va Ani in unison as these men slowly marched toward their destiny on the bimah. Rabbi Shalem Yeshurun of Congregation Or Ami in Atlanta gave a soulful invocation.  The candidates knelt before the altar as Rabbi Sholomo Levy anointed each man’s forehead while intoning the words “Kaddosh, Kaddosh Kaddosh” (Holy, Holy, Holy).  Next, Rabbi Baruch Yehudah administered the oath of service that is required by their order. They pledged themselves to a high moral code of dignity, honor, and respect at all times.

Tears streamed down the faces of family members who witnessed the transformation of their loved ones. Starting from the right side of the line, Chief Rabbi Funnye affixed a white miter upon each man’s head and then locked arms with him as he said “Arise” and bestowed the title rabbi upon that man for the first time as he came to his feet. The congregation erupted in thunderous applause. Then, the newly minted rabbis turned to face the audience. Rabbi Sholomo Levy read a solemn warning from the prophet Ezekiel, “Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day… be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 2:3-6.  As A final act, Rabbi Baruch charged the people with the verse, “Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm.” Psalm 105:15.

Each graduate brings a unique background and perspective, enriching the tapestry of Jewish leadership. Their stories are a source of inspiration, demonstrating that barriers can be overcome through education, dialogue, and a commitment to social justice. The ordination of these Black rabbis challenges preconceived notions about what a rabbi looks like, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the society in which we live. By embracing diversity in religious leadership, we send a powerful message about the importance of unity and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. These rabbis are poised to become influential leaders, working towards creating bridges of understanding and cooperation both within and beyond the Jewish world.

These newly ordained rabbis are not just leaders in name but are poised to be catalysts for positive change in the future. With a sense of purpose and a deep connection to their faith, they will be dispatched to synagogues across the country that are in need of their inspired leadership. We congratulate them and pray that God will bless them with success. Amen.

אנשי כבוד / Men of Honor

Rabbi Azriel Divine—Received an award for perseverance.
Rabbi Nechemiah Funnye—Received the leadership award
Rene Thomas—Received the achievement award
Rabbi Elijah Collins—Received the award for Community Service
Rabbi Yaakov Walker—Received the Malchah Netanyahu Scholarship-
Rabbi Elijah Moshe LaPrince—Received M.A. from Gratz College, ordination at this ceremony
Rabbi Benymin Ben Benyamin—Prior  graduate who received ordination at this ceremony.

Link to Video / Pictures