Celebrating Juneteenth in the Jewish Community

by Joshua Maxey
Jews of Color Affinity Group organizer and SEA Change leader, Washington Hebrew Congregation

For many Jews of color, the experience of “othering” within Jewish institutions is a painful reality. While the Jewish community prides itself on its emphasis on inclusivity and belonging, this ideal is not always reflected in practice, especially regarding the intersection of race and Jewish identity. Jews of color, who often navigate a dual identity as both Jewish and members of marginalized racial groups, can find themselves invisible in predominantly white Jewish spaces.

Over the past several years, Jewish organizations in the area have been working toward a more inclusive future, one where all Jews, regardless of their race or ethnicity, are celebrated and seen. One of the most meaningful steps in this journey has been establishing initiatives to highlight the voices and experiences of Jews of color.

In 2021, my colleagues and I at Washington Hebrew Congregation helped create an annual Juneteenth Celebration in partnership with several local organizations. This event, now a cornerstone of our efforts to build a more inclusive and welcoming community, gathers local Jews of all backgrounds for a meaningful Shabbat service and a community film screening. The event is a unique opportunity to reflect on the history of African American freedom, while also elevating the lived experiences of Jews of color.

The celebration is a powerful reminder that the Jewish community is not monolithic. In our shared history and struggles, we must also remember that our community is diverse, made up of individuals who come from various ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. Jews of color, including Black Jews, Asian Jews, Latinx Jews, and others, have long been part of the beautiful mosaic that is Jewish peoplehood. However, our stories and contributions have sometimes been marginalized or overlooked in traditional narratives.

By hosting a Juneteenth event that includes a Shabbat service and a film screening, our goal is to educate and provoke conversation about the diverse realities of Jewish identity. These thought-provoking films showcase the stories of African American freedom and often highlight the history of the African American community and the Jewish community working together for justice and equity.

The Juneteenth Celebration is part of a broader movement in the Washington, DC area, aimed at fostering a Jewish community that is truly inclusive and reflective of the diversity that exists within it. While the work is far from over, the celebration of Juneteenth offers an important starting point for continued dialogue, understanding, and action.

The work does not stop with events like Juneteenth. To truly create an environment of belonging for Jews of color, the Jewish community must take a proactive stance in amplifying our voices and investing in our experiences. One key way to do this is by ensuring that the stories of Jews of color are being heard — not just during special events, but as part of the everyday fabric of the community. This can be achieved by creating platforms where our voices are central, whether through leadership roles, educational programs, or storytelling initiatives that authentically represent the diversity of the Jewish experience. For these initiatives to thrive, equal access to funding must be prioritized.

Programs aimed at promoting belonging are often underfunded or lack the resources necessary for sustainability. The Jewish community in Washington, DC, must actively invest in initiatives led by Jews of color or those that center our experiences. Equal access to funding is crucial. By investing in these efforts, the broader community can ensure that the voices of Jews of color are empowered to create lasting change within the broader Jewish world.

This is the type of Jewish community we should strive for — a place where all Jews, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, can experience the warmth, acceptance, and belonging that is the cornerstone of our community.

EIN 53-0196646