When many who are ignorant of the Jewish people think of a Jew, their immediate vision is one of a white-skinned Hasidic Jew, dressed in black with their tzitzit fringes proudly hanging down, but this isn’t always the case. Most outside of the Jewish lense don’t know that 40% or more Jews, are people of color and that Judaism is a very diverse landscape. Jews also speak many various languages, from Ladino which is a mix of Hebrew and Spanish to Yiddish, which is a blend of Hebrew and German, to Hebrew itself. Some Jews simply speak the language of their host country in the diaspora, but regardless of the language or race of the individual, they are a Jew and as such, are one of the overall tribe.

Jews come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, etcetera, and are no more or less a Jew. Only the Hasidic/Ultra-Orthodox Jews dress as I’d described and are used as the vision of a Jew by the masses. Jews do not come in one flavor, nor is Judaism a one size fits all approach, it is very individual by nature. In our synagogue alone there are black, white, Asian, Latinx, and all are seen as equal and fully recognized Jews. It is truly a mix of people and is a beautiful sight to behold!