It might surprise some of you that this self-described Jewminicana actually has a Puerto Rican great-grandfather. I am 7/8 Dominican and 1/8 Puerto Rican. My great-grandfather Demetrio Marrero-Vasquez (pictured below with me in his lap) was a Boricua through and through. I am often asked by people, both Dominican and not, who wonder aloud that… Continue reading Get matched & help a family in Puerto Rico
I woke up this morning to find that Mexican Jewish food had been featured in The New Yorker blog! Was I still asleep? Was I dreaming? When American Jews think Judaism or even Jewish food, they think Ashkenazi or Eastern European food. They don’t think Hispanic Jewish food. People don’t think of Jews as a… Continue reading Mexican Jewish Food Hits The New Yorker
”Estas son las mañanitas” is the song the elders in my family sing to us youngins on our birthday. Hear it: Learn about the song and read the translation: http://gomexico.about.com/od/historyculture/qt/mananitas.htm Not quite sure why this Mexican birthday song is a tradition in our American-Dominican-Turkish-Jewish-Puerto Rican-Venezuelan-and-who-knows-what-else family but it is! Interestingly, the song is said to… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Me!!!!
This is in response to this fantastic post, “On Being Black” that makes me wish all good bloggers got paid! The photo below was taken from Mocha Momma‘s awesome blog. Dear Mocha Momma: (Click there and read her cool bio!)A friend just pointed me to your blog. I guess something about my latest post, told her… Continue reading My Fan Letter to Mocha Momma On Being Black (and more I added later)
I have ALWAYS felt out of place. Like there was no place I would, could, should fit. I think this is what helped me find Judaism and when I gave speeches about my life story that was the biggest theme. That I fit in everywhere and nowhere. I am black, white, Native American, Spanish, Jewish…everything…but… Continue reading Random Thought to a New Friend
“ “Urban Outfitters Finds Frum Inspiration?” talks about how head scarves have suddenly gone hip, even hipster…and not just on the heads of Orthodox women. Now, this head scarf innovation isn’t new. I should note that I’ve seen many non-Jewish women, particularly black women, wrap their locks up in elaborate head scarves. Just walk around… Continue reading Non-Jewish Latinas Rocking Head Scarves!
Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore My rating: 5 of 5 stars One of the most twisted, shocking, disturbing graphic novels I’ve ever read. But haunting, thought-provoking and stunning nonetheless. A side of the Joker few have ever seen and many won’t want to see. Oh and Batman rocks as much as ever. This… Continue reading Joker before Heath Ledger
Greetings! After nearly 8 months and thousands of dollars later, I have mostly recovered from the digestive crisis that made me balloon 20 lbs., put me in the emergency room several times with severe abdominal pain and routinely left me vomiting…among other things that would fall under the category of TMI (too much information). It… Continue reading Mini Health Update from LA
“There are Hispanic Jews? No way! I’ve never heard of any.” Wish I could send this article below to every Jew (especially Jewish New Yorkers) who has uttered that statement in my presence! Doesn’t anyone remember what the Spanish Inquisition was about? And don’t they know that “Don Francisco,” host of the beloved “Sabado Gigante”… Continue reading Noteworthy News: Yes, there ARE Hispanic Jews! In NY!
A warning, this trailer is definitely not for kids though the scene that inspired me to write this has children in it. Event: Press Film Screening of Nora’s Will (Cinco Dias Sin Nora) Date: Friday, October 15th, 2010 Time: 10am Place: Laemmle’s Royal Theatre, 11523 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025-3094 Phone:(310) 478-3836 Details:… Continue reading Cool Jewish Events: Being Jewish in Spanish!
Memoirs of a Jewminicana 