culture/multiculturalism · education · Jews/Jewish/Judaism/Orthodox Judaism

How to Start a Jewish Youth Group…in Uganda

From left, Kokasi Keki, 17; Sarah Nabagala, 17; and Igaal Sizomu, 15, at Shomrei Torah Synagogue in West Hills. Photo by Jason Lipeles Check out this heartwarming tale of “3 Ugandan Teens Learn Leadership Skills on L.A. Trip”.

culture/multiculturalism · funny · hair · Jews/Jewish/Judaism/Orthodox Judaism · news

Don’t Rain on My Parade…

According to “Triple Threat: Entertainer Rain Pryor on Comedy, Caberet and her famous father,” Richard Pryor’s daughter isn’t just white or black or Jewish or Buddhist or funny. She’s a damn funny biracial Jewbu. Except when she’s being serious (see below). Oh, and did I mention she can sing?

culture/multiculturalism · Hispanics/Latinos · Jews/Jewish/Judaism/Orthodox Judaism · news

Wow, I’m in the NY Daily News!

“But on June 10, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court declared in a landmark decision that no state could restrict marriages based on race or culture.” My husband and I were featured in this lovely article about multicultural/multiracial marriages, check it out: “In the melting pot of NYC, these mixed-cultural couples think the world of each other”. 

celebrities · culture/multiculturalism · music · race/racism

A Bro Mitzvah? Que es eso?

Bobb’e J. Thompson, the scene-stealing, hilarious little guy in the film “Role Models,” wants a “Bro Mitzvah” for his thirteenth birthday. No, he’s not Jewish.  A friend sent me this clip with a note “I didn’t find it funny and I have a big sense of humor.” I certainly smiled while watching it but Bobb’e… Continue reading A Bro Mitzvah? Que es eso?

culture/multiculturalism · Hispanics/Latinos · Jews/Jewish/Judaism/Orthodox Judaism

When Parents Suck…

I am an orphan…with two living, breathing parents who have been either completely useless or totally abusive to me and my sisters during our lifetimes. My family, my real family, is made up of three people (me and my sisters) and we’ve adopted my husband into the fold. Yeah, we’re a pretty tiny bunch but… Continue reading When Parents Suck…

culture/multiculturalism · Hispanics/Latinos · Jews/Jewish/Judaism/Orthodox Judaism · news

A Jewminicana Laments

Many guest posts this week! Check out my guest post over at MixedJewGirl World. In “A Jewminicana Laments”, I discuss the pain and incredible disappointment I experienced when I was rebuffed for explaining to white Jews that Benjamin Cardozo was not the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice.

culture/multiculturalism · dreams · food · Hispanics/Latinos · Jews/Jewish/Judaism/Orthodox Judaism · New York · news · Shabbos/Shabbat

The Jewish American Girl doll meets the Dominican American Girl doll

Rebecca Rubin Okay, so American Girl created a Jewish doll. Her name is Rebecca Rubin and not all her outfits are tznius (modest). She’s growing up in New York City in 1914, right around when my great-grandmother was born. She’s a Russian Jewish girl who wants to “stay true to her heart as she follows… Continue reading The Jewish American Girl doll meets the Dominican American Girl doll

books and reading · culture/multiculturalism · Jews/Jewish/Judaism/Orthodox Judaism · rabbi · race/racism

Q&A with From Ghetto to Ghetto Author

In “10 Questions with Author Ernest H. Adams”, I got up close and personal with author Ernest H. Adams about his memoir, “From Ghetto to Ghetto: An African American Journey to Judaism.” Adams had some noteworthy things to say about his experiences during Jim Crow, living in the Jewish community and what he thinks about the… Continue reading Q&A with From Ghetto to Ghetto Author

culture/multiculturalism · Hispanics/Latinos · Sotomayor

Racist! Racist! Racist!

Wow, are things getting heated over Sotomayor’s nomination or what?  I spent last week arguing with my Jewish friends that she, not Benjamin Cardozo, IS the first Hispanic Supreme Justice nominee–more on that in future posts. This week the focus has been whether or not Sotomayor is a racist. Funny isn’t it that when an… Continue reading Racist! Racist! Racist!

culture/multiculturalism · Hispanics/Latinos · Jews/Jewish/Judaism/Orthodox Judaism

Yeah, I’m down!

So you know that “Havana Guila” is my favorite “Hava Nagila.” That’s salsa, baby, music you can move those hips to.