Embracing Racial Diversity in Our Synagogues: Who Are Jews of Color (JOC)

Who are Jews of Color (JOC)?

Jews of Color is a pan-ethnic term that is used to identify Jews whose family origins are originally in African, Asian or Latin-American countries. Jews of Color may identify as Black, Latino/a, Asian-American or of mixed heritage such as biracial or multi-racial.

Due to several factors, Mizrachi and Sephardi Jews from North African and Arab lands vary in whether or not they self-identify as “Jews of Color.”   
 

How do Jews of Color Join the Jewish Community?

Jews of Color join the Jewish community in a variety of ways, including: birth, transracial/transnational adoption, and conversion. In addition, the Jewish community includes many People of Color (POC) who join the Jewish community through family ties, i.e. through interfaith marriage, but who retain their own faith-identity.     


How Many Jews are Jews of Color?

The Steinhardt Social Research Institute’s American Jewish Population Project reports that 11% of Jews in the United States are Jews of Color. 

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Appreciating Our Roots: Reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I am reflecting on these ways in which the intersectionality of my identity have pushed me forward, a microcosm of the purpose of this month's designation. Also known as Latino Heritage Month, this annual celebration recognizes and honors the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latine Americans.