The topic of race in the Jewish community brings to mind iconic images of Dr. Martin King and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Although unquestionably meaningful, it does not mitigate the lack of consciousness about race today.

Race has taken center stage on the national front again the last few years galvanized by after the tragic deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner, the rise of Black Lives Matter, and the identity politics of the Trump administration. And as a result, we are experiencing an increased interest in racial justice in the Jewish community.  

In response, Be’chol Lashon is bringing the Jewish commitment to civil rights forward into the 21st century, providing opportunities for Jewish professionals and others to actively engage in conversations about race and identity. (Learn more about our trainings.) This is of concern to all Jews no matter their background or skin color, and our goal is to ensure that the Jewish community honors the diversity of its past and creates a welcoming future.

Jonah Tobin today, as a camp counselor, college student, and proud Jew, struggles with what it means to be a black man in America today.