One of my most used slogans is that “I don’t fit in a box”. And I say this as a black Jewish American who is Orthodox. I'm asked many times to share my story because people are so curious about my journey. But my story is quite long and complicated so I don’t tell it as much anymore. Nevertheless, the short version is that I wanted to live a Torah-observant life which I found immensely fulfilling. And I’m also blessed to have met my husband, Aryeh Klein, who has provided me with support and compassion every step of the way.
As a black Orthodox Jew, I've had many different experiences that make me who I am, and one of them is the experience of being a person of color. The past several weeks have been overwhelming and heartbreaking for me.
I want to first express my condolences to the family of George Floyd. No man, no matter the color of his skin, should die in that manner. It is a horrific tragedy.
I also extend my condolences to retired police officer David Dorn who was killed by looters and rioters. Another terrible tragedy. I can’t begin to tell you how deeply saddened I am about these tragic events.
As a social worker who has worked for a police department and worked side-by-side with our officers, I have respect for our police officers who risk their lives to protect citizens every day. I truly appreciate them.
Alyssa Bracha and Aryeh Klein
On the other hand, I also understand the awful experiences and challenges that black Americans – more specifically that black males – face in the United States.
George Floyd is just one of the many horrific incidents that describe what some black men face when interacting with the police. Unfortunately, there are some bad cops in the system. They need to be identified and not hidden within the police departments. I believe that police officers – black and non-black – could benefit from learning different arrest procedures and cultural competence training. Too many police officers – and average citizens for that matter – are suspicious of black males and hold racist beliefs. As the daughter of a black male, I’ve experienced this with my own eyes.
I remember when I was 15 years old, my parents and I took a cruise to Alaska where we were one of two black families on board, along with hundreds of people. We encountered a lot of stares, awkward conversations, and discomfort by others.
As we were on our land-and-sea tour during our train ride through the Yukon Territory, there was an open seat next to my father. No one wanted to sit beside him. You could see the sneers and faces of displeasure as they passed him by, judging my father just by his skin, not by his character.
In a Detroit Jewish News article, a black man shares his story about being pulled over every day at 5 AM while on his route to the gym where he was working as a trainer with a client. He asked this officer, “Why do you pull me over every morning? You know who I am. I’m the only black guy who comes over here.” The cop gave him no reply.
The outrage is understandable. It has been expressed through peaceful protests by multitudes of people, and sadly, it has also been expressed by destructive rioting
The outrage is understandable. It has been expressed through peaceful protests by multitudes of people, and sadly, it has also been expressed by destructive rioting by a wide range of people, black and white, some who just want to start trouble, some who are angry and are expressing it inappropriately, and others who have different agendas.
In 1966 while giving a speech, Dr. Martin Luther King spoke about rioting. He says:
Certain conditions continue to exist in our society, which must be condemned as vigorously as we condemn riots. But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the Negro poor has worsened over the last few years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met.
This quote is usually taken out of context by individuals who support rioting. If you knew Dr. King, you would know that he believed in peaceful protests and did not support violence. Dr. King was merely providing empathy on the issues and concerns of black America, while also highlighting the reason as to why people were rioting. He did not condone it.
Dr. King, who was a minister, spoke from many religious principles including peace, kindness, and respect for your neighbor. Just like Dr. King, my parents always taught me about kindness and respect for your neighbor. I was also taught that just because you may experience hurt, it doesn’t mean that you have the right to hurt others. My mother's story is a prime example of this.
My mom is a retired journeyman electrician for General Motors. During her time working there, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She also experienced racism and sexism on the job that exacerbated her medical condition and quickened her decline. My mom spent years in court battles over the way she was treated and never received justice. Despite the horrible mistreatment she received, she continued to have faith without being fueled by anger and hate against the world.
I believe that my parents’ strong will and ability to continue to have faith no matter what challenges they faced are some of the reasons that motivated me to seek a more observant Jewish lifestyle.
My dad often tells me that good things and blessings happen in difficult times. He’s right. Difficult times like this showed me that I have amazing family and friends that care about me and support me. Furthermore, these difficult times helped me see what obstacles I could face no matter how difficult -- especially when guided by faith.
Last but not least, we can all combat racism with the specific principles of treating people the way you would like to be treated, learning about our fellow neighbors, and treating people with respect no matter where they come from.
We can also learn to how to combat racism by:
- Learning about yourself and checking to see if you have any biases or prejudices
- Talking to someone of a different ethnicity than yours
- Learning about other cultures and their history
- Engaging in active listening
- Asking questions when appropriate if granted the opportunity
- Not assuming you know all about a particular culture by the media
- Understand that there are culture conflicts that exist
- Be an ally to those that are not able to speak up at times
(53) Shoshanna, January 5, 2021 3:56 PM
Experience as a black orthodox jew
Thanks for sharing <3
(52) שלמה פרנקל, August 19, 2020 5:03 PM
come
i am an american jew who came home to israel over 40 years ago. married an iraqi jew. one daughter married turkish jew one son ukranian jew. one son going out with ethiopian jew. come home to israel
(51) Herbert Ausubel, August 12, 2020 7:41 PM
Jews have been in the forefront with regard to helping Blacks
I am a Jewish physician with many Black patients. I tell them that I am a Jew. I point out to them that Jews, having suffered persecution for centuries, has sought to help others who have suffered persecution. For example there were many Jews among the founders of the NAACP. It was a Jew who funded 5,000 schools for Blacks after the Civil War. In the movie "Mississippi Burning" we are reminded that 2 of the 3 students killed by the Klan when they went south to help Blacks to vote, were Jews. etc. etc. etc.
(50) Anonymous, August 12, 2020 2:49 AM
Interesting article
I admire your dedication to Judaism. What was your motivation to become Orthodox? Were you born Jewish? If not, how did come to discover Judaism ?
I personally was born Jewish,am not religious, but am a dedicated Jewish person. Mozel Tov. Due bist a mentsch
(49) Rachel Leah Fry, August 11, 2020 4:13 PM
Great article
Thank you for an insightful and beautifully written piece. As the Jewish mother, grandmother and sister of bi-racial family members and the mother-in-law of a black man, I am particularly attuned to religious and racial prejudice and injustice. We have to be vigilant and continue to fight against these things. Your writing is an important part of this effort.
(48) Debbie, July 2, 2020 5:44 PM
So important
Thank you for sharing your story and these experiences. We need to read and understand more from our Black Jewish sisters. In my life I haven't yet met someone like you in person (yet!), but now I know more what to do and say. Thank you for being an amazing role model for all Jews.
(47) Craig Carr, July 1, 2020 2:07 AM
Lovely, interesting reading
Thank you for sharing.
(46) Eugenia Ijames, June 30, 2020 12:09 AM
Thank you for this article.
So good to see Jews of color on the site sharing their story.
(45) Chavi, June 28, 2020 10:27 PM
Thank you so much for your perspective, you must be a special human being & would love to hear your story.
(44) Anonymous, June 27, 2020 9:44 PM
What is the real issue?
However small the percentage of blacks doing violent crimes is, that is a much bigger issue for the whole black community. We should focus on the causes and see what can be done to help.
Maybe the media is part of the problem by making up all these fake issues and framing the issue fraudulently, they are actually making the problem worse, by diverting the energy and attention from the real things.
If blacks would be doing less crime, be more healthy, less on welfare and more working and being a positive contributing factor to society, would white people still give them stares? Of course sometimes yes, people still have prejudices. All people stare at others who look different than them. When we get there, we should worry about it. We should definitely deal with it now too but that is not the main reason for the suffering of the black community.
Na'amah Segal Karas, June 30, 2020 4:30 PM
Wrong
Your comments are racist. You probably will be offended by seeing this.
Deal with it.
Black people were slaves for hundreds of years and now have to life in a country designed to keep them poor and sick.
You are wrong. Get over yourself. Go read How to be an Anti-Racist so you can stop citing lies and false facts. You're literally spreading white-supremacy.
tiffany, September 19, 2020 9:54 PM
Thank you so much
your comment is very appreciated
(43) Pasha Smolenko, June 27, 2020 9:39 PM
Thank you for sharing - what we can do to help?
Thank you so much for sharing! It is helpful to work on our biases. I am personally learning, having black friends and now 2 co-workers who are blacks.
But I think the issue here is much bigger than working on how others deal with blacks with racism. Many blacks are wonderful, amazing, lovely people, obviously! But something huge is wrong for some.
If 1000 blacks get killed by violent crime from other blacks and 1 is killed from a cop, the focus should not be on the cop, wrong and tragic as it is.
How about fixing the real problems? Like:
-helping blacks grow up in homes with fathers
-getting educated well
-giving them tools to succeed and thrive in this country
-lowering the crime and murder rate among blacks
What can be done? Can the government change the welfare laws to incentivize mothers to be married? Will that help lower the single mother rate? Will the democrat mayors and leaders work on education?
What if the media, politicians stop treating black communities as slaves, letting them rot and coming to rile them up before every election?
They would stop making up lies:
-how the white man is out to get them
-there is systemic racism in the USA
-life is worse as a black now than it was ever before
-claiming about how blacks are more likely to get killed by white cops
ignoring the facts:
-the fact that it is 18 times more likely for a cop to be killed BY a black guy than for a cop to kill a black guy
-more likely for a black cop to kill a black guy than for a white cop to kill a black guy
-it is racism to call for hate and violence against whites
-it isn't glorifying violence to say looters should be shot or violence and crimes should be stopped.
Anonymous, June 30, 2020 4:30 PM
You are wrong
Your comments are racist. You probably will be offended by seeing this. It doesn't matter if you're offended.
Deal with it.
Black people were slaves for hundreds of years and now have to life in a country designed to keep them poor and sick.
You are wrong. Get over yourself. Go read How to be an Anti-Racist so you can stop citing lies and false facts. You're literally spreading white-supremacy.
Pasha Smolenko, July 11, 2020 10:22 PM
What is anti-racist and is there systemic racism in USA?
Thanks Na'amah Segal Karas for your feedback. But you are wrong!
Get out of the past. It does not matter what happened hundreds of years ago. Today the USA is not designed to keep them poor - except as I said - welfare system set up to encourage single parenthood. Teach blacks to graduate high school, have children after getting married, and stay married, and get a job. That is the major way how to get out of being poor. Facts are not racist. I am not a racist for stating facts. I am not a racist for saying that there are much bigger issues facing the black community than cops shooting or killing blacks.
Read what I wrote and tell me ONE THING I said is wrong! Don't just revert to ad-hominem attacks calling me racist. There was no such thing as anti-racist, it is only used against non-racists to call them out, never against actual racists.
Do you think whites hate blacks more than blacks hate whites? Is it racist to hate blacks? Is it racist to hate blacks?
How do you explain that a black cop is more likely to kill a black than a white cop is to kill a black?
If you don't care about the black lives killed except for the one percent of them killed by cops - you are racist.
Interesting read: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/centers/wiener/programs/pcj/files/PoliceandPublicDiscourseBlackonBlackViolence.pdf
Anonymous, September 19, 2020 9:55 PM
per capita... YOU are wrong
per capita, cops kill more black people compared to the black population than white people compared to the white population. stop being a racist.
(42) wyvonne Armstrong, June 25, 2020 1:34 PM
interview
I am an African American woman and I would like to interview you for my mental health counseling class.
(41) Anonymous, June 25, 2020 5:58 AM
Thank you for this article.
(40) Anonymous, June 24, 2020 9:41 PM
Very positive ideas to disseminate
To eliminate prejudice we must value life as an image of the Almighty. Respect for life regardless of color looks and background. Start with inner self worth so as not to depend on other people opinions. Each of us should strive to maximize our potential and not compare to other people achievements.
(39) MESA, June 24, 2020 1:03 AM
Thank you Aliza Bracha for sharing. We as Jews have a lot to learn about how to treat others.
(38) Anonymous, June 23, 2020 9:28 PM
Admirable
We all have our nisyonos (tests) from Hashem that we need to pass. For the Klein family, it’s a more public nisoyon. May Hashem give you (and your future children IyH) both the strength and the courage to overcome the thoughtless, silly and hurtful things that people may say and continue in your devoted service to Hashem and commitment to His Torah. I am in awe of anyone (Baal teshuvah or ger tzedek) that has had the courage to give up so much in pursuit of the truth. May you go from strength to strength! An admirer in Lakewood NJ
Eliana, June 24, 2020 8:05 PM
Praying for the wrong thing
In addition to praying for the Klein family to have the "strength to overcome" the thoughtless, silly, hurtful things said to them, particularly by our fellow Jews, perhaps we as a people should ask for the strength to overcome the urge to say such things, or even THINK them. When we look at each other--no matter our color, (dis)ability, age, marital status, or other superficial characteristics--we should focus on looking for the betzelem Elokim within the other person. That should go for Jews and non-Jews alike. We are all part of Hashem's kingdom; this alone indicates that we should treat everyone with respect.
(37) Feigie, June 23, 2020 9:16 PM
Excellent
Good article. Not preachy. Empathetic and not limping people intp black and white. I tell the author i share experience as a Jew coming on onvite to Larchmont Manor Beach where people like us are not welcomed. The Jewish young man who gave us tickets probably lost his job. No one has the enrrgy to protest these. Wr cannot legislate love or respect but we can legislate the law and violence.
(36) Fred Spagat, June 23, 2020 1:52 PM
Call to action
I am a white jewish male. I have also experienced police scrutiny as a young long haired kid in the day. I have never considered myself as racist as I have many friends who are african-american. I think many of the problems in the african-american communities are self induced by inaction of most of the leaders in those communities. But to the same point, I tend to avoid those conversations that most of us,black,white yellow and brown fail to address for perhaps fear of offending someone. I think that more then reform of police we need to create an environment that allows us to discuss these hard topics. As a jew,I have experienced only small bits of anti-semitism, but that too is a problem. I don't wear a yarmulke that identifies me so for the most part I am ignored. Communications between all cultures must be embraced. Yes,there are good and bad amongst us,but most of the problem is misunderstanding about someone by the way we look. I want a better world for all and I enjoy the concept of having diversity in the people I hang with. These are easier to fix that it seems. From my point of view,our leaders have not figured this out whether black, white ,brown ,red or yellow...we are all brothers and sisters and we need to start recognizing this
(35) Judy R., June 23, 2020 5:33 AM
Experiences of a Black Orthodox Jew
I read your article and it was very touching what you wrote. I agree with other people that wrote come to Israel, Jews of color feel more respected there. Also there is a lot of wonderful sites to see in Israel. I even read a article that a Ethiopian Woman and family came to America and was not treated right, and their kids could not wait to go back to Israel where they are treated with respect. Everyone has their share of hardships my mother(obm) Z"L was a Holocaust Survivor and spoke in schools what hate brings, and it helped others and herself, maybe you should also speak in schools and tell people about your experiences and share your stories, and that could help others and yourself. I guess everyone has a personal story to tell others, and it is important these stories should be told, it is part of being Jewish, that the next generation should learn this important lessons, in life and this type of educating others is important to learn what my mother(obm)Z"L taught understanding and respect brings love and harmony and not hate!
(34) Ephraim Zion, June 22, 2020 5:12 PM
Wise and tolerant attitude
I was very touched by this life story. Despite the suffering from discrimination and racism the author was able to display courage, tolerance, kindness and forgiveness all with a view to changing the attitude and racist behavior of certain people! Kudos to you with appreciation and gratitude!
(33) Karen James, June 22, 2020 1:23 PM
Black women orthodox Jew
I am proud to read this article. Thanks, aish.com for listening to me!
(32) Tzilia Sacharow, June 22, 2020 10:05 AM
earest policewoman
simple advice, come home to israel......your being a cop will get much more comment than the color of your skin... we are used to it from Shir hashim"s star.. to all the wonderful ethiopians who have come home. but a lady cop, that is different....
love from Jerusalem, Tzilia
(31) Rashi Rosenzweig, June 22, 2020 6:52 AM
Kol HaKavod
If only more people like you could step up and speak out. However, if I were to voice or write the very words you speak, reactions would be from a pat on the back. But, from you, these words are 24K gold.
(30) Ilana Rachel Wald, June 22, 2020 2:17 AM
Blessings of being
We all have different challenges which makes us stronger. Reading this article makes me feel my faith as a LIGHT that glows brightly and makes shine.
(29) Chana, June 22, 2020 1:19 AM
Great article!
(28) Anonymous, June 21, 2020 9:10 PM
p.s.
Most of your suggestions were creerebral in nature. I forgot to share I'm whiter than white. Called Casper for years. Told I was whiter than a bed sheet. Told to get a tan to look healthy. So sometimes I have had to work harder to be accepted. I find that when you see someone in the store , on a bus, train or plane say something about the weather, the trip or if they look stressed something to say that you feel their pain. Or actually it can all start with a smile. I use minexoften. Quite often. It humanizes everyone. You and the other person. If while on the trip to AK you all had done.that you might have gone home with new friends besides your memories.
(27) J Fleming, June 21, 2020 8:58 PM
Useful.insight
Thank you for sharing your and your family's experiences. I am a white convert to Judaism. People marvel at my story too. I will share that when I have been the only white person on the bus the remaining riders, all black, wouldn't sit next to me. They stood rather than sit next to me - after a hard day at work no less. Orhers have hovered on the seat afraid for our clothing to touch. Ths was three or four years ago. I lived in a black neighborhood - not my first either. In the last i was treated the worst. I was threatened too many times though never in the other black neighborhoods. I will apso sjare that justice diesnt hapoen for mamy people in life, includimg me, so I understand some of umyour mother's pain. Not everyone can afford to litigate. If you are white and sue an employer you face being unemployable. I have also been the victim of crime for almost every year of my life - decades - from white - black and Hispanic perpetrators. Do I csre about the color of their skin? No. All never identified so none caught or prosecuted. Why hurt me? I've done nothing to them. I don't know them. Why do some people believe that they have the right to assess someone else's assets and believe that they have the right to take some? I have never had much. After the crimes I've had less. When things weren't fully paid for I still had the bill. Further payment on my part for their crime. I have spoken to black people who said to me that they didn't know white people were so nice. The cultural education has to extend beyond the limits of your neighborhood in order for peaceful interactions and living to happen.
(26) Ra'anan, June 21, 2020 8:27 PM
Dr. King on rioting...
I was just watching a British interview of Dr. King, he was extremely articulate, but if he held that rioting "is the language of the unheard," then what did he think of the rioting Christian pogroms in Europe? He must not have considered that because I'm sure he'd condemn that since he was known for saying that anti-Zionism is really anti-Semitism. I don't mean to be disrespectful of Dr. King, whom I respect & love, but my contrarian thinking forces me to examine as many sides of an issue as possible.
I remember being in Disney World with my mulatto-looking wife & kids, we, too, are an orthodox Jewish family, & there was that unpleasant buzz, that was hard to discern if it was tangible or not, until people would say stupid things like "I hate Cindy because...she's Jewish" & then look at us for a reaction or a Latino man saying "I see there're a lot of JEEEWSSS in town" in a threatening way. Why apologize for EXISTING when you can be naturally Jewish & ANY COLOUR in ISRAEL???
(25) Eliot Pearlson, June 21, 2020 8:23 PM
An Invitation to Aliza to speak to my shul on Zoom
Aliza,
Thank you for sharing your insights and painful experiences. This is a message I would like to share with my entire community - Beyond merely sharing a link to this article [THANK YOU AISH!!!]
Please contact me so that we can coordinate a Miami community wide ZOOM (or other video option) TOWN MEETING. Perhaps with AISH cosponsoring?
Thank you,
Rabbi Eliot Pearlson
Temple Menorah
Miami Beach, Fl 33141
epearlson@gmail.com
(24) mgoldberg, June 21, 2020 8:09 PM
A fine article.... but
The problems of differences in racial makeup, cultural makeup, the makeup of men versus women will always pose challenges. It can never be a given that everything is equal except that the rule of law should be equality of opportunity under the law. Now we are told we can't say 'wife' or 'husband', you have to say 'partner' otherwise your a bigot against LBGT et al. That is a bias against the ethical basis behind the differences. We are told we can't say there are any differences. There are, and they are to be appreciated, not denigrated. Cultures are different. And they are not all equal. But that is to be appreciated for what they are, not merely used for denigration. The ideas of the Commandments is to raise the bar for everyone, everywhere, without forcing them to observe them, if they are not Jewish, but many cultures have taken upon themselves manys of the important ones of the ten commandments. To raise the bar, is to realize that we can all fail at sometime, somepoint to be cognizant or appreciate the subtle failures. Back to the issue of 'Systemic Racism'- there is none in the U.S. Sorry to disagree with all those who demand otherwise or else... or else they burn down your reputation, your home, and then say it had to be done. This is not Freedom, nor Liberty, nor Equality. It is tyranny, plain and simple. That blacks had slavery long before any whites ever showed up is fact, and they had it after whites ended the practice. Muslims still demand it under Sharia, and will howl that it's 'Islamophobia' if you quote all their laws and cultures that do indeed practice and defend this. The problems of a nation, a Republic are to allow protections for minorities, and allow for majority rule. I don't believe in Systemic Racism. And the mobs who burn and loot and howl are no friend to me, or anyone. They simply wish to destroy a nation. They hate with great vigor, and howl their displeasure whilst throwing bricks. They are bigots in every sense of the word.
Agatha, June 26, 2020 3:14 PM
Jewish people aren't the only discriminated against group
It's better to be too careful than to hurt someone with your biases. It doesn't matter who did or didn't do what. The fact of the matter is black people are, per capita, more often murdered by police than white people. PER CAPITA.
Nobody likes the looters, but if that's what you're more concerned about than the countless black lives being lost, that shows us that your priorities are messed up. It always disappoints me to see people in the Jewish community being ignorant. You are a discriminated against as well, YOU OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND. But I just get reminded, you may be Jewish, but you are still white. Your SKIN COLOR will never be the reason for your discrimination.
How would you feel if I falsely claimed, "there is no anti-semitism in America"? It wouldn't feel good. Jewish people aren't the only discriminated against group.
(23) Marvin Feil, June 21, 2020 7:42 PM
Right On
I have always judged people by what they do and what they say. The results usually make me feel very good. I have also benefited professionally.
(22) Shoshana-Jerusalem, June 21, 2020 7:23 PM
I agree with mgoldberg-June 21
The above article is beautifully writen and we surely need to listen to the aurthor.
But we cannot allow the law of the jungle to rule. People cannot be allowed to carry on like wild animals, destroying everything in their path.
And by the way, where were the protests when David Dorn was murdered?
Do Balck Lives Matter only when they are ended by a white man?
(21) TSvi, June 21, 2020 7:13 PM
Is prejudice racism?
Active in the Civil Rights movement. People, often would scold me, "How would you like your daughter to marry one?" I responded, " I would not have any problem." An easy response for a student idealist. Later, we were with 3 daughters and moved from secular to traditionally Jewish. Now, I wanted our 3 daughters to only marry Jewly observant men. So, I was now a racist? We became active in the movement to free Ethiopian Jews met many. They were sweet and dedicated to Torah; I would be thrilled to have a Beta Yisrael son in law. I felt relieved to verify that I was "prejudiced" but not racist.
Yet I clearly retain "prejudice" and fear concerning young Blacks. I was accosted with anti-Jewish epitaphs by a group of young Blacks as I walked from a shul in Oakland CA. They did not see me as a Civil Rights Worker brother even if their grandparents certainly would.
BLM leaders are distinctly anti-Jewish; synagogues and Jewish stores were recently targeted in L.A. and other places. Black males are over-represented in violent crimes. If I were a cop today I would certainly be more apt to consider young Blacks suspiciously and be more anxious in my approach to them than to others.
I worked for equal opportunities in the past and demand the same now but facts on the ground have caused me to develop clear prejudice toward younger Blacks that I did not have in my youth. My impression is that younger Blacks today are more racist than young Whites, not the other way around. Yet I am sure Blacks do get stares for no reason they can control. I also get catcalls sometimes for walking while looking Jewish.
T, June 24, 2020 4:32 AM
That's it exactly
We were told growing up, by my parents, We don't care if they're black, purple or Martian, as long as they're Jewish. If you commit over 50% of the violent crime it has nothing to do being racist, it has to do with being intelligent in watching out for things that are unsafe - in the same way you take more care in Detroit than you do in Beverly Hills... One area is decidedly more safe. It has to do with a bad culture. When a group idolises violent drug addicted criminals, and racist idiots like George Floyd and Colin Kapernick, instead of heroes like David Dorn, Ben Carson and Thomas Sowell... This is what you get... It's a victim culture instead of a survivor culture, it's a blame culture instead of an educate culture. Can you imagine where Jews would be in a post-Shoah world if we didn't have a survivor culture? If we didn't value education? As Candace Owens and Dennis Prager has said. Blacks need to look to the Jews for success... Too bad they rather look to the racist Anti-Semites.
(20) JAY b HEIMOWITZ, June 21, 2020 7:12 PM
FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
BLACK PEOPLE HAVE CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE JOY OF EVERYDAY LIFE ALL OVER THE WORLD.THINK ABOUT THE DOMINATION OF AMERICAN MUSIC. BLUES, JAZZ, (THE BASE OF COUNTRY MUSIC) HIP HOP, RAP,, SPORTS, BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, BOXING, ETC. ALL THE WHILE HAVING A WONDERFUL FORGIVING NATURE IN GENERAL.--FOCUS ON THE GOOD THINGS
(19) Gregory Stone, June 21, 2020 6:53 PM
I really like this article
I really like this article a lot. It encourages bridge building. It encourages love and respect for Black people, for Jews, and for police.
(18) Eli, June 21, 2020 6:01 PM
Teshuva
As a frum Jew, I find BLM’s anti-Israel and ultra-leftist political beliefs (sorry for repeating myself) reprehensible. On the other hand, it is an unfortunate reality that anti-black racism exists within the frum community. Even if it’s only a minority who hold such views, considering recent events, this should invite individual and communal self-reflection. When in 1923 an earthquake killed more than 100,000 people in Japan, the Chofetz Chaim interpreted it as a wake-up call for Jews to do teshuva. If this were true about a country that probably couldn’t even make up a minyan of Jews, how much more so should it be when the wake-up call occurs in a country with millions, some of whom are guilty of the very complaints of the protesters.
Anonymous, June 24, 2020 4:35 AM
what?
The complaints of the protestors are that white people aren't dead or enslaved.. They want a black Marxist ethnostate in the US, with white genocide. They want Islam to take over Israel. The protestors are doing what all regimes do before they enslaver the people.. Look to Cuba, Venezuela, Russia or China. That's what they want. That's their complaint. That they don't have it.
Agatha, June 26, 2020 3:22 PM
and what is your proof that this is what they want?
I've seen your previous comments. Give a man a mask, and he'll show his true self... you have no one to blame for your racism but yourself.
Agatha, June 26, 2020 3:24 PM
and where is your proof?
They just don't want to be murdered anymore for their skin color. Just like how you want Israel as a home country. But give a man a mask, they'll show their true face... you have no one to blame for your racism but yourself
Miriam, June 26, 2020 3:28 PM
Your blatant racism and ignorance is apalling
You are truly disturbing
(17) Anonymous, June 21, 2020 5:16 PM
Thank you
As a person of color in process of converting Orthodox-Sephardic, I found your article interesting and would love to read the longer version of your story. I’m hopeful that Aish will include an POC writers section each week to show that Jews do come in all colors (African, Asian, Hispanic/Latina, Native American, East Indian, etc.); rather than just when unrest occurs in the world. I would like to connect with other Jews of Color still active in the tribe, worldwide. As, I’ve met former Jews of Color who have left the tribe due to racism within the tribe and refuse to come back.
To (#6) with regards to the recent protests by BLM, there are good peaceful protesters and non-peaceful protestors please checkout ANTIFA and Deep State who infiltration these peaceful protests with the goal to be destructive and are successful, as they tend to be European American males and females wearing all black.
(16) Aryeh Zelasko, June 21, 2020 4:59 PM
How to cure racism.
I was with one of my professors at a conference and we were in a mixed race seminar on racism. All the white students and professors proudly proclaimed how they were not racist. My professor proudly proclaimed that he was a hard core racist. He them asked; how could he be otherwise? He grew up under Jim Crow laws, in a small Midwestern town and even saw a lynching when he was in high school. Racists and sexists joke where the standard. He then admitted to another thing. He said that he was also an alcoholic and attended AA meeting on a regular basis. He had not touched a drink for 25 years but still knew the problem will never go away. He explained that the first step to dealing with a problem is to admit it exists. He then accused the other white people in the room of being just as racist as he and until they were willing to face their racism there was no possibility of changing. All this was over fifty years ago and a great deal has changed. Many have taken the first step and even gone beyond. However it is that first, hard look at ones self that is the hardest.
Anonymous, June 30, 2020 4:38 PM
THIS
READ THIS AND THEN READ IT AGAIN.
All the kind words, the 'maybe instead' or 'perhaps you should' or 'I think blacks just need to' are all STILL FORMS OF WHITE-CENTERING and RACISM.
(15) Stephen Rubin, June 21, 2020 4:52 PM
What a special person
Ms. Aliza Bracha Klein, how can we not be blown away by your story. You life has clearly had it's ups and downs but I must say Kol HaKavod to you and your family. You should continue to have a beautiful Orthodox life and it should be totally fulfilling. Thank you for sharing.
Steve Rubin, Beit Shemesh
(14) Anonymous, June 21, 2020 4:37 PM
My Experiences as a Black Orthodox Jew
Thank you for your insightful comments. It is refreshing to hear a voice of reason and kindness in these troubling times.
(13) Fay Niederhoffer, June 21, 2020 3:40 PM
Well Said
I share your concerns. As a black orthodox Jew myself, I am very saddened by all this upheaval. The world is in the middle of a crisis,community cannot be together and here we are fighting a age old dilemma. This problem will not go away until there is a will by law makers to institute guidelines to combat such behaviours. Hashem made us all and we all deserve to be treated with dignity,respect and love.We should not be treated differently because of the colour of our skin,or our religious belief. I sure know what that feel like on both fronts.We are very lucky to have the Jewish community at large.Let us love our neighbour as ourself.
(12) Blair, June 21, 2020 3:15 PM
A polite but safe letter
As a American and Black Jewish woman, this letter was polite, safe, and came off as appeasement to the institutional racism Black Americans face. To be a police Officer is a difficult job, yet a job that is a choice, not compulsory. Secondly, Black American **women** suffer at the hands of police violence (Bryonna Taylor being killed in her own home earlier this year), as well. So I'm curious why the author sympathizes so much for Black men, yet not for Black women... Lastly, her advice to combat racism, is better advice to fight prejudice. We all have prejudices, but racism is systemic: housing, schools, job opportunities, loans, etc. So, while the author is clearly pro-police and walked a fine line of evaluating both sides of the current crisis, in the US she is seen as a regular Black woman, that could easily suffer from systemic racism just doing normal things like: being in your home, driving your car, playing video games with her children, stuff that Black women have be killed for by the police. I'm glad to see that Aish is giving American Black Jews a platform to tell their stories. Just as Jews in Europe left to the US to live a safe and peacful life after WWII and suffering centuries of pogroms, injustice, and racism, I believe that Black Americans are in the same situation (I say this living abroad). And should seek other options, but never should we appease or blame victims (like the author has done) for the racism they are facing. Thank you Aish for publishing, and I hope the author (and her family), don't ever have to suffer from racist police like do many Black women do.
Ra'anan, June 21, 2020 8:07 PM
JUST ASKING, BUT...
for RACISM to be SYSTEMIC that would mean that the MAJORITY of blacks would experience it. What evidence do you have that this is so?
Blair, June 23, 2020 5:47 PM
Why type in all caps??
One example is housing. Even when Black Americans served in the Vietnam war, they weren't eligible for bank loans that were granted to veterans, a law passed by both Democrats and Republicans. Lack of generational wealth has locked many Black Americans from building wealth, living in neighborhoods that can generate enough property taxes to fund schools, providing a good life for the children. So... hope that's a good example :)
Anonymous, June 24, 2020 4:45 AM
And why can't you answer a quesion?
They asked what evidence that it's going on now? You couldn't even answer that. What racism to think that only Blacks don't have generational wealth. How many Jews had wealth when they came after the Holocaust? How many can read and write and WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL? How many are successful now? How many blacks can read and write and want to be successful on their own merits without a handout ?? How many will take responsibility for their community? Even now, they look at BLM, a racist Anti-Semitic Marxist group that wants a Black Communist ethnostate and white genocide in the US... they blame everyone but themselves for their failure. They don't say, why do we have so many single mothers? Why can't 50 % of our kids read at grade level? Why do we idolise criminals instead of law-abiding successful citizens? They donate to BLM instead of a local literacy centre, they set fire to buildings and break windows instead of volunteering to help kids read. They make having baby daddies acceptable instead of shameful. They make the high prison rate a reflection on "racism" instead of where it belongs - on a culture that doesn't put down crime, it doesn't shame single mothers, it doesn't shame uneducated.. It celebrates them.
As Brandon Tatum has said, He didn't get a party or any type of celebration when he graduated college, His cousin got a party when he got out of prison... That's the problem with the black community. And no amount of engineering by non-blacks can fix that. It has to come from within.
Anonymous, June 30, 2020 4:43 PM
Enough Already
This isn't a trauma competition. "My trauma is worse than your trauma."
The Holocaust happened. Slavery happened. Pogroms happened. Jim Crow happened. These are all valid trauma experiences that have ruined Jewish generations coping skills and black generation's coping skills.
Second, no one needs to provide YOU with evidence. You have the internet. Go educate yourself on the history of the North American slave trade, the real history behind the civil war, the hiding of the confederacy in southern governance and laws, the origins of Jim Crow, American banking and their complicit behavior in red-lining, and the war on drugs.
These are all systemic structures that were built to keep black and brown communities weak and poor and sick. Go educate yourself.
This conversation is not about your feelings on BLM. It's about why black people are being murdered everyday by white Americans.
Stop centering the conversation on you, your opinions, your feelings, and what you need. It's not about you.
(11) Micky Blumenfeld Weisberger, June 21, 2020 3:02 PM
Wow
Hashem has given you a gift: a gift to inspire and teach onto others. You are so special to me and to those around you. You should share your voice and continue to express yourself so beautifully. You have always done you and stayed true to your beliefs and values. May we all inspired to change, change within our hearts and spread that light and joy!!! Thank you for your courage and bravery for sharing your raw and honest experiences. As one of my fav quotes from “To Kill A Mockingbird.”-“You never know what a person until you walk in their shoes.”
(10) Prof Asher J Matathias, June 21, 2020 2:58 PM
Restated from article on A Black Jew’s Advice to Combating Racism
B”H Another gem for all of us to gain valuable insights from being black and Jewish. Too many of our brethren exercise a destructive, narrow mindedness betraying not only Judaic values, but also the violation universal human rights. Learn, baby, learn; to earn, baby, earn, so as not to burn, baby burn; famously used as early rap during the amazing, but also tragic ‘60’s! With fraternal affection, Asher ?????????
(9) Lauren, June 21, 2020 2:57 PM
Thank you
Thank you for sharing your story and the story of your family with all of us. It is one of courage, perseverance, and forgiveness. Together we can build a better more compassionate world. HaShem should bless you with all that is good!
(8) Joseph "Yoshi" Wolhendler, June 21, 2020 2:50 PM
Great article
I totally agree with ABK, We all need to take a step back and think, how would I/we feel if prejudiced by cops and society? and believe me We Chasidic/Orthodox/Black hatters and Yarmulke wearers have seen plenty biases against us, of course there's also biases and anti semitism against anyone with the name "Jew".
So the next time you see/hear someone make a racist remark, ask him/her, would you like to be pre-judged by the way you look/dress or by your religion? Thanks for a great article and a wake up call. Yoshi
(7) Anonymous, June 21, 2020 2:43 PM
Beautifully expressed and written!
Alyssa Bracha, you are a beautiful representation of what Hashem wants from us all! To appreciate, and get along with HIS creations, no matter what color! We are all Hashems creations and really are one in one purpose: to have Emunah/Get close with Hashem! May we all learn, relearn to follow what the Torah teaches us, and be a true light unto the world during these dark times!
(6) mgoldberg, June 21, 2020 2:43 PM
complicated, not simple
A lovely women. No doubt she has depth and a view to be appreciated. But... it is complicated. And having lived longer than her, and having seen many types of people and cultures, I still see the inability to see criminals as criminals and take that into consideration. G Floyd should not have died that way, and the cop who overdid his arrest will pay for his actions. But Floyd was resisting arrest, and he himself one who had held up a black women theatening to kill her even as she was pregnant. Yes, that was 2009 or so. Yes he was a victim, but we have to also see hard cases in the 'black' community who have acted against others and the police and who resist arrest as not merely the victims of police brutality. It is more complicated than that, and the tyrannic, hateful, bioted BLM movement that demands no criticism of any black and seeing them as ultimate victims is utterly wrong, and unacceptable. The 'woke' sorts now have carte blanche to call white people as haters simply because they are white. THAT is unacceptable, and the 'woke' the left, the BLM'ers do not care. They will be called out to riot and attack and the bodies of those they've killed have had no recognition. I don't hate and refuse to have to accept any such denigration. Indiviual liberty, social responsibility, accepting the hard knocks of life and it's joys and successes is part of a broader view of others. It is more than merely understanding others cultural views or place. JMO
Anonymous, June 21, 2020 8:14 PM
what does killing G Floyd have to do with his past acts? why does his
killing deserve a "but?" If his past acts, which were probably unknown to his arresting officers, are irrelevant, why have you mentioned them? Do you think that resisting arrest is cause for killing someone? If not, then why have you mentioned them?
mgoldberg, June 21, 2020 10:12 PM
what does killing ....
Context.... nothing more, nothing less. 'Do I think resisting arrest is cause for killing someone' No. Resisting arrest will get you in trouble and if you are really resisting and able to go after a cop in his car it can really get you into physical trouble. That is the reality. We ask the cops to observe every rule but the criminal does not. And if your life was under threat and you were scared you too might resort to something stupid, or maybe cruelly illegal like that cop did. He will be punished. The black cop who tried to defend a store from being burnt down was murdered. He was a hero. You don't even think about that because he's not threatening to burn your neighborhood down. So, what does the killing have to do with G Floyd being a criminal.... context. Just as the fact that those who want to end policing will end the civility of their society, but little is discussed about how the poorest neighborhoods suffer the most under those rules.
Anonymous, June 24, 2020 4:48 AM
rolls eyes
Not only was he known. The two other officers were black and asian. There's nothing racist here. He was a drug addicted violent criminal with covid and health issues, resisting arrest from a violent cop who should have been fired ages ago. that's it. The story isn't the (who cares) death of Floyd. it's the excuse the racist Anti-Semites are using implement their Anti-Semitic racist Marxist Black ethnostate.
(5) Nancy, June 21, 2020 2:37 PM
I hope your mother’s MS is in remission
Wow! What challenges she faced on the job!
(4) Laura Blobaum Knoerr, June 21, 2020 2:36 PM
Thank you
Thanks for sharing your story and your insights during this troubled time. It's good to have some practical advice from someone with wisdom and experience.
(3) Amir Tamari, June 21, 2020 2:34 PM
Thank You for Sharing Some of Your Thoughts & Life Story
Dear Aliza,
Thank you for sharing some of your thoughts & life story. I think it is very important that Judeans of all walks of life, colour, countries of origin speak up & speak out. The Judean People is a very diverse people, but many amongst us are still learning this fact and learnign to accept Judeans that do not fit into a mold.
Wishing you Health, Simchas & Brachot. Lchaim!
Amir Tamari
(2) David Faust, June 21, 2020 12:46 PM
You are an inspiration!
I appreciate you sharing your experiences! The scene described on the cruise is heartbreaking. Often an opinion of black on black crime is cited in response for support of reforming police brutality. Here is an instance of a black man with his family providing a nice vacation and is still treated as an outsider. When a request for support in a strIglesias is met by a stereotype that is the starting point where change needs to happen. We need to start showing empathy and truly listen and validate. Create that human connection. Once connected then we can create real change.
(1) Steven, June 21, 2020 7:03 AM
Thanks for your encouraging article
Keep up the good work showing everyone that Judaism is colour blind. I would be very pleased to read the long version of your story for I think many people can find inspiration in it. I am sure you must have a very special soul to overcome all these challenges and take on an observant Jewish life.