ABOUT TORAH IN COLOR (Pilot Series)
“The Torah, despite common belief, isn’t a narrative about white people. The Jewish people started out as a people of color (in West Asia/Iraq), has always been a multiracial people, and is becoming increasingly racially and ethnically diverse. The Torah is far from black and white. It's time for a modern day Torah commentary that is unflinchingly progressive, multi-dimensional, and in color.” -April N. Baskin
INTRODUCTORY FRAMING, PURPOSE AND INTENTIONS FROM THE HOST & PRODUCER
As a Jewish woman of Color, there is so much I love about all that makes me who I am: Judaism, black identity and culture, my multicultural family, intersectional feminism, just to name a few.
Torah in Color is my “love letter” of appreciation to all that has made me who I am, as well as a testimony about what I’ve had to navigate as a Jewish woman of color.
Torah in Color (TIC) one of several resources I’m developing to make more diversity & social justice information and narratives readily available to those who are either seeking solidarity and validation, or those who are interested in getting more exposure to diversity, particularly in a Jewish context. With TIC, I’m intending this series to be all that and more (see below), rolled up into one yearlong weekly video series!
As the host and producer of Torah in Color, I’m endeavoring to do my part to contribute to broader efforts* to fill real and problematic voids that currently exist in Jewish life.
Given that Torah and our understanding of it is at the heart of Jewish identity, I want an abundance of Torah commentary and Torah study resources that:
Reflect and meaningfully, consistently incorporate the reality that Jews are and have always been a diverse, multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural people. I want this to be become the standard, not the exception.
Have a leading-edge social justice lens and analysis, that is in relationship and accountable to not only our own community, but movement and social justice partners. In today’s complex climate, we need an updated, more courageous and accountable analysis while still maintaining our compassion and increasingly self-awareness.
Are fun, authentic, and not separate from other parts of our lives. Which is why I’m incorporating music I listen to that I associate with the weekly parsha (Torah portion).
Mindfully and intentionally model counteracting oppressive dynamics, such as white supremacy culture, by demonstrating healthier, more justice-oriented alternatives (see antidotes sections in linked article). This is done through a number of strategies, including integrating a variety of cultures and perspectives, not conforming to traditional signifiers of intelligence and authority, such as performative perfectionism, “objectivity,” or staying within the boundaries currently prescribed by mainstream Jewish institutions with only episodic acknowledgement Jewish diversity and multiple Jewish narratives.
Are accessible and relevant to those exploring Judaism and to our allies (which actually a good number of resources are, like ReformJudaism.org and MyJewishLearning.com, in addition to a number of books).
*Broader and exciting efforts such as the recently-launched Ammud: The Jews of Color Torah Academy and Rabbi Sandra Lawson’s weekly Torah chats on Snapchat, among other efforts.