The Journey of Rabbi Shais Rishon: Navigating Identity and Faith as an African American Jew
Rabbi Shais Rishon is on a profound journey of self-discovery and community building, grappling with the complex question of what it means to be an African American Jew. His heritage is rich and multifaceted: on his mother’s side, his African American Jewish roots stretch back to the 1870s, while his father is a second-generation Jew. Raised in the Chabad tradition in Brooklyn, Rishon’s formative years were marked by layers of identity that often intersected in surprising ways. He humorously remarks that he “got better,” referring to his growth beyond rigid traditional confines. Living next door to Rabbi J.J. Hecht, the assistant and translator for the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Rishon was immersed in a world of mentorship and spiritual learning.
The Birth of MaNishtana: Engaging Questions in Jewish Identity
In 2009, Rishon took to writing and blogging under the name MaNishtana, derived from the section of the Passover seder where the Four Questions are articulated. This framework is not just about asking questions regarding Passover but serves as a metaphor for his exploration of identity: “What makes this Jew so different from any other Jew?” Rishon highlights this unique dimension of his identity as a Black Jew and fosters a community dialogue centering around these questions. His passion for comic books echoes in his choice of the name, as he notes, “I had the opportunity to create an alter ego, obviously I’m gonna take that.”
Bridging Gaps: Becoming a Resource for the Community
Through speaking engagements across North America, Europe, Australia, and Israel, Rabbi Rishon addressed the intersectionality of religious tradition and racial identity. His writings attracted a loyal following, leading many to reach out for guidance. Despite offering insights, he consistently reminded individuals of his non-rabbinic status, often encouraging them to consult an official rabbi. However, Rishon soon realized that many seekers lacked accessible rabbis who could facilitate discussions on race and religion. In 2018, he received a private Orthodox rabbinical ordination in New York to ensure he could confidently guide those yearning for spiritual and communal engagement.
Filling a Void: Establishing Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A
With the establishment of a new congregation in Washington, DC, aptly named Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A (OEC), Rishon is taking considerable steps to address the spiritual needs of African American and Caribbean Jews. Many in the Black Jewish community seek a space where they can simply express their Judaism without the burden of additional scrutiny. The acronym CHeMDaT”A stands for “secular, traditional, religious Jews of African descent,” recognizing the diverse expressions of faith within the community.
African American synagogues are a rarity in the broader Jewish landscape. Rishon notes that most African American Jews tend to attend synagogues based on their proximity or alignment with cultural customs and political beliefs. While larger Jewish communities can be inclusive, the need for a dedicated space is vital for those encountering microaggressions about their identity, which can distract from their spiritual experiences.
Embracing Tradition and Innovation
Although OEC serves a predominantly Black Jewish congregation, Rishon emphasizes inclusivity, inviting anyone who identifies as Modern Orthodox or has a curiosity about Judaism to join them. As a “traditionalist Modern Orthodox” community, OEC aligns with mainstream Jewish observance while transcending Ashkenormative conventions. This inclusivity distinguishes it from groups like the Black Hebrew Israelites, enhancing its commitment to Jewish law and tradition.
Rishon believes in the importance of crafting a unique Jewish identity that combines various traditions, as long as these don’t conflict with halakha (Jewish law). He expresses a wish for the congregation to embrace both existing traditions and create new ones together. For example, Rishon highlights the innovative African American seder plate by Michael Twitty, which replaces traditional Ashkenazi elements with those rooted in African American history. This represents a beautiful intersection of cultures and identities, particularly poignant during Passover, a time that reflects themes of slavery and liberation.
Creating Community and Awareness
Beyond serving African American Jews, OEC aims to raise awareness of Black Jews within the broader Jewish community. Rishon notes that often discussions about Black Jews arise only in response to societal issues, with their voices rarely sought when the conversation shifts. Through OEC, he seeks to make Black Jews visible within mainstream Judaism, offering a welcoming point of contact for those wishing to learn and engage with this rich, but often overlooked, aspect of the faith.
Anticipating the opening of OEC on March 20, Rishon and his small board are working diligently to ensure the synagogue serves as a vital resource for the community. With an operating budget of $400,000, 10% of which is set aside for community aid, the new congregation promises to hold weekly Shabbat services in North Dupont, alongside monthly events designed to foster connection and spiritual growth.
Embracing a Future
Rabbi Shais Rishon’s journey is emblematic of a larger narrative, where identity, faith, and community intertwine to create richer tapestries of Jewish life at the intersection of race and tradition. With Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A, Rishon is not only carving out a space for African American and Caribbean Jews to flourish but is also contributing to a broader understanding of what it means to navigate faith in the context of a rich and diverse identity.
