I’m an African American Orthodox Jewish woman which makes me both unique and one of many.  I’m fully aware that I’m not the stereotypical face of Jewry in America. But at the same time I realize I’m not an “Army of One.”  I don’t, I can’t, and won’t presume to speak for all African Americans, all women, all Orthodox Jews, or even all African American Orthodox Jewish women (and yes, there are more of us than you think).  This blog just hopes to introduce a perspective not always presented in media, Jewish or not.

What this blog is not, is an indictment of any community or group.   However, it will be honest.  Without serious and honest self-reflection there can’t be progress or even acknowledgement of the things we’re doing right.

What this blog is…an honest discussion of race and ethnicity, identity, and the Jewish community.    Being a Black woman in America brings with it certain trials and tribulations, add being an Orthodox Jew to that and you’re dealing with a reality that not many understand or are even aware of.  In many ways I’m invisible, a result of the lazy assumptions and categorizations that society uses to define us all.   My gender, my race, my culture, being a Torah observant Jew…all intersect to create the totality of my identity.  I have not and will not allow any aspect of my identity to be disrespected or dismissed…and why should they be…THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION.