Jewishness Includes Different Colors

The New York Times covers a San Francisco Jewish initiative: a summer camp for "Jews of color" where we read

“If there’s Christians of all colors and all kinds, and Muslims of all colors and all kinds,” Amalia, 11, said over Shabbat lunch, “then why would Jewishness be any different?”

I surely do have some issues with the mission statement of the camp's promoters and sponsors which read, in part:

Imagine a new global Judaism that transcends differences in geography, ethnicity, class, race, ritual practice, and beliefs. Discussions about “who-is-a-real-Jew” will be replaced with celebration of the rich, multi-dimensional character of the Jewish people...We believe the Jewish population, through pro-active efforts, could grow to 20 million by 2020, and 40 million by 2060.  We seek to overcome the significant organizational, cultural and ideological barriers to growth in the Jewish community. A more expansive Judaism is particularly engaging for younger and unaffiliated Jews who want Judaism to reflect the global community in which they live.

Be'chol Lashon (In Every Tongue) grows and strengthens the Jewish people through ethnic, cultural, and racial inclusiveness. We advocate for the diversity that has characterized the Jewish people throughout history, and through contemporary forces including intermarriage, conversion and adoption. We foster an expanding Jewish community that embraces its differences...

And, as you can imagine, I am wondering if what is Judaism in this admirable effort is actually, well, Jewish. 

In fact, the people base within which Be'chol Lashon seeks to work is defined so:

...some 6.7 million adults who are not Jewish, but who have a connection to Judaism or the Jewish community. This includes some who are married to Jews and feel identified with the community and others who have an affinity with Judaism or Jews based on intellectual or emotional identification. They are entwined in the Jewish community but are not self-defined as Jews. This group includes some 600,000 individuals “connected non-Jews” of diverse backgrounds who are connected to the Jewish people through marriage, friendship, extended family, community, or personal interest.


Some of these individuals are living as Jews in terms of synagogue attendance or ritual observance but have not yet formally become Jews through a conversion or affirmation process. Some may practice Judaism and another religion but have not yet decided to practice only Judaism. Some are so entwined within the Jewish community that they feel Jewish, according to their own self-assessment. They participate in Jewish life and may be raising their children as Jews. Some are on the path to formal conversion.

But allow me to return to Amalia's words above.

Amalia, have you heard of the Jews of Cochin?  The Jews of Ethiopia?  Of Michael Freund's Shavei Yisrael, first founded by my former neighbor Rav Eliyahu Avichayil as Amishav?  Of Jews in Peru and mexico?  "Different Jewishness" exists and does so within the traditional halachic framework of Jewish life.  Different skin pigmentation, racial features, languages and cultural backgrounds.  But all one, in the end.

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