I just returned from the residency I did for the Jewish Multiracial Network, located at Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. As part of my programming I worked with the youth staff to generate a series of questions regarding Jewish Identity. These questions then set the framework for the theater games (inspired by theater of the oppressed) and the flag books that we made over the course of the weekend.
Unfortunately not everyone got around to answering these questions at the retreat, however here is a new chance :). So I now invite anyone and everyone to participate in finding answers to these questions (JMNners, non-JMNers, Jews, non-Jews..... )What do you need from society, yourself, the Jewish Community to recognize diversity and to become aware of racism, sexism, homophobia (oppression) both internalized and experienced and the times you yourself have been racist, sexist , homophobic, and then move past to create change?What do you do when you are in an uncomfortable situation regarding your Judaism?Do you have a Non-Jewish side, what is that like?What makes a person culturally Jewish?What make you a Jew in your everyday life?Define what makes someone Jewish.Name your greatest Jewish moment.Why are you Jewish?What does a Jew look like?Did you ever not feel Jewish?What is it about being Jewish that makes you most proud?What do you love about being Jewish?What was your weirdest Jewish Experience?Have you ever questioned your Jewish Identity?Has anyone else ever questioned your Jewish Identity?Have you ever questioned another persons Jewish Identity?What symbols represent Judaism for you?What non-Jewish activities do you partake in that to you are “Very Jewish”?What is your responsibility as a Jew of color?What is your responsibility as a Jew?