The Jewpanese Project explores the lived experiences and stories at the intersection of being Jewish and Japanese; examining data from 40 U.S.-based interviews with Jewpanese individuals and families, the researcher will share findings on identity, religion, immigration, access to language and culture, inclusion/exclusion from community, intergenerational trauma, celebration, and much more.
Shared Identity
In Spring 2023, Moving Traditions' Kumi teen leadership program had its first JoC Empowerment track as a part of its multiracial cohort. JoCI funding supported the JoC Empowerment track and the JoC staff working on the track.
The Jewish Social Justice Roundtable (JSJR) is in the third year of their Jews of Color mentorship program. This third year includes a newly required field-building and accountability mechanism, data collection, and program evaluation.
Along with year-long programming, a staple of Mosaic Visions is a virtual, international arts festival, the Spirit of Humanity (Ein Sof) Festival.
The Jews of Color Mishpacha Project is hosting their fourth annual JoC Shabbaton for intergenerational Jewish learning and celebration for JoC, their families, and allies.
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to significantly expand the influence and participation of JoC in shaping the future of Jewish life in the Midwest.
This research project will utilize qualitative and quantitative data to gain insight on the experiences of JoC adoptees and their racialized Jewish identity formation.
SMQN provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ Jews of Mizrahi and Sephardic backgrounds (including North African, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Latin American Jews) to build vibrant and supportive community, as well as to take ownership of their Jewish journeys through community-led experiences such Shabbat dinners and lunches.
In order to create a safe space for all JoC, New Synagogue Project established anti-racism and inclusion goals that include hiring a JoC Coordinator to invest in community building and leadership among JoC.
Jews of Color: Cleveland is a project by the Mitsui Collective that is focused on building a thriving network for JoC in Cleveland through supporting two community organizers that will engage and grow the network of JoC in the region.
Uri L’Tzedek, an Orthodox social justice organization, is hosting a program led by JoC leaders to engage and connect with Jews of Color across the Greater Phoenix Valley, which includes smaller cities like Glendale, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa.
The Braid, in partnership with LUNAR Collective, is developing a new original show that places the voices and experiences of Asian Jews on center stage, inviting Asian Jewish writers and community members to submit stories about their experiences at the crossroads of cultures. The Braid is holding three writers’ workshops to support the writing process and encourage community members to submit their stories.
Ammud is now focused on standardizing their educational materials, and formalizing impact for JoCs who are interested in rabbinical or other clergy pathways. Through the grant period, Ammud is expanding both in-person and online educational offerings, engaging with or hiring programming consultants, and sharpening communications capacities to build stronger connections with allies.
Jewtina y. Co’s primary goal for this coming year is to invest in their leadership so that they can continue to make Jewtina y Co. accessible to those who need it for many years to come. During the grant period, they are advancing their dynamic programmatic offerings. Jewtina will also engage with consultants, new community members, part-time local staff, and a rabbinic council to inform their programs.
As a JoC-led organization, their dual mission is to provide unparalleled career support for talented JoCISM artists and create art-forward, learning and community-building experiences that reinforce Jewish identity. In coming years, with continued support from JoCI, The Workshop will continue to foster a robust JoC artistic community, and to expand beyond New York as the organization grows.
This grant supports Mitsui Collective’s Jewish Somatic Antiracism Collaborative project, which will develop resources, tools, and ultimately communities of practice that can support people in navigating and healing the traumatizing impacts of racism, both within and beyond Jewish spaces.