Biracial Jew looking for synagogue

[Anonymous]

I’m a dark skinned biracial (black/ashkenazi) single Jew looking for a religious home. Grew up in very liberal area where there were other POC at shul with me even in the 80s and 90s. I’m in my 40s and want a recommendation for a welcoming synagogue. Doesn’t have to be diverse but It needs to be welcoming. My family’s background is Roman Catholic, Anglican and Jewish. I celebrate Christmas (in the non religious sense) with my non-Jewish family but otherwise identify as Jewish. I just want some place where I can go and take my kid (adopted and also of black appearance) and not be constantly treated like someone’s Nanny or a terrorist who doesn’t belong. Live in NOVA but willing to travel. I would love to one day see my kid on the bimah in a community that will accept and support us.

Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Would you feel comfortable with Ethiopian Jews? As you may know, there is a group of Jews who lived in Ethiopia. There was intermarriage with the community but they kept the faith. Maybe they can help you. https://www.jconnect.org/department/washington-association-for-ethiopian-jews/

[Anonymous]

Rodef Shallom

[Anonymous]

Another recommendation for Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church. Very welcoming and diverse congregation.

[Anonymous]

Temple Micah

[Anonymous]

You would be very welcome at Beth Chai, which is a humanist Jewish congregation: https://www.bethchai.org/

[Anonymous]

Tifereth Israel; Temple Micah; Ohr Kodesh in CC.

[Anonymous]

You would be very welcome at Machar in DC: www.Machar.org

[Anonymous]

Temple sinai in DC
https://templesinaidc.org/multiracial-sinai/

[Anonymous]

In DC, Adas Israel (conservative) and Washington Hebrew Congregation (Reform) both have Jews of Color affinity groups and are wonderful and welcoming communities in general.

[Anonymous]

I agree that race will not be an issue at Adas Israel. It's still a place that gives lip service to Halachah, when it suits their self-image to do so, though, and I notice OP uses "half and half"ish language and mentions engagement with other religious traditions. OP, if you are patrilineal and not interested in conversion I'm guessing you would want an entirely non-Halachic community? Because in the more traditional Jewish world, race is meaningless and is not supposed to be an obstacle. If you're legally Jewish you're 100% Jewish with full standing in the community. That doesn't mean there aren't jerks, but they have no legitimate basis for discrimination. But... you don't seem to discuss yourself as 100% Jewish. You mentioned a bunch of other religious entanglements and described yourself as Black/Ashkenazi rather than as Ashkenazi who happens to be Black.

[Anonymous]

^because it's not just about how you "identify."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you feel comfortable with Ethiopian Jews? As you may know, there is a group of Jews who lived in Ethiopia. There was intermarriage with the community but they kept the faith. Maybe they can help you. https://www.jconnect.org/department/washington-association-for-ethiopian-jews/

Do you not see how your statement could be interpreted?
There is and always has been intermarriage throughout history in all other communities, op did not say he was from Ethiopia. Almost sounds like you want him to join that community instead of welcoming him into yours

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you feel comfortable with Ethiopian Jews? As you may know, there is a group of Jews who lived in Ethiopia. There was intermarriage with the community but they kept the faith. Maybe they can help you. https://www.jconnect.org/department/washington-association-for-ethiopian-jews/

Do you not see how your statement could be interpreted?
There is and always has been intermarriage throughout history in all other communities, op did not say he was from Ethiopia. Almost sounds like you want him to join that community instead of welcoming him into yours

Give it up -- i.e., stop implying negative motives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you feel comfortable with Ethiopian Jews? As you may know, there is a group of Jews who lived in Ethiopia. There was intermarriage with the community but they kept the faith. Maybe they can help you. https://www.jconnect.org/department/washington-association-for-ethiopian-jews/

Do you not see how your statement could be interpreted?
There is and always has been intermarriage throughout history in all other communities, op did not say he was from Ethiopia. Almost sounds like you want him to join that community instead of welcoming him into yours

Give it up -- i.e., stop implying negative motives.

Nope. Racist AF to suggest biracial Jewish family contact an Ethiopian-Israeli non-profit organization (not synagogue) rather than suggesting more inclusive shuls. Ashenormativity/colorism is a real thing in our community and we need to hold each other accountable.