Ever since I have announced my African project–and to be clear, really my Kenyan project people have been sending me articles, books, recipes, all kinds of things African. One of the things that I have enjoyed is learning about the Jewish communities in Africa.

The Chicago Jewish News recently posted an article about the Jewish Community in Kenya. http://chicagojewishnews.com/2014/02/08/discovering-jewish-stories/ It is a fascinating series of stories and I am excited to be meeting Jewish community there this summer. I know that the community was shaken by the recent bombing of the Westgate Mall. Some believe the attack was due to the Israeli ownership of the mall and some of the shops. It is a good reminder that wherever Jews and Israelis are it is prudent to be prepared and to be careful.

The Chicago Jewish News also recently had an article about the Jews of Uganda from JTA. http://www.jta.org/2014/03/23/news-opinion/world/in-rural-uganda-small-jewish-community-splits-over-conversion

This is an interesting community. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/05/africa_uganda0s_jewish_community/html/1.stm that I have followed for a long time.

I have enjoyed sipping their coffee from a unique collaborative between Jews, Christians and Muslims. Kosher, fair trade and organic, it is a model for all of us, and as its name implies, Delicious Peace, it tastes good!

I have enjoyed meeting members of the community when they have come to the Academy for Jewish Religion. I know some of the rabbis from the Conservative Movement including Rabbi Joe Prouser, Dr. Ora Horn Prouser’s (my AJR dean and advisor) who went to Uganda to help with the conversions. I was saddened to read in the article about a split in the community. Cue the jokes here about building two synagogues, one you never step foot in.

But on a more serious note, it is very sad that Jews feel the need to squabble over what is authentic Judaism. I watch these debates often enough here in the States. They are central to the arguments about the Law of Return in Israel and about who has access to the Western Wall. I was not expecting it here.

I have enjoyed the music of the Abudaya community. It is Jewish liturgical music with a upbeat African beat.  My Hillel rabbi, Rabbi Jeffrey Summitt was actually nominated for a Grammy for his recordings of Abudaya music as part of his degree in Ethnomusicology. Here is a sample: abudaya uganda music youtube And like my Ora has said, their music makes her happy!

To use a line from the Lion King. Hakuna Matatah! In the meantime, I will keep learning and keep preparing.