Kaleidoscope

KALEIDOSCOPE is a narrative-arts driven initiative that was sparked by a desire to highlight the stories of Jews of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, observance levels, and interfaith experiences. Given the increasing diversity of the greater Jewish community, we feel that highlighting the complex, personal stories of diverse Jewish voices through “edu-tainment” is critically important. Through finely crafted performances, writing-workshops, and curriculum development we hope to establish a powerful initiative that will both engage and challenge Jewish traditions to reflect the many faces that already comprise klal yisrael.

The Jewish community has always been diverse. From Eastern Europe, to North Africa, to India, to Ethiopia and beyond, Jews come in all hues and from many ethnic backgrounds.  What is more, our communities continue to grow increasingly diverse, reflecting the rich history of Judaism in the Diaspora as well as contemporary choices such as intermarriage, conversion, and adoption. That being said, many diverse Jews feel alienated from organized Jewish life due to a lack of programming and awareness on Jewish diversity. They are seeking ways to experience Judaism that both connects them to tradition but doesn’t require them to leave their full-identities at the door.

KALEIDOSCOPE addresses this need by providing innovative performance platforms and workshops that seek to overcome organizational, cultural, and ideological barriers to Jewish diversity.

Our program includes live performances of Kaleidoscope monologues, followed by a stimulating Q & A session, and the option of a Kaleidoscope writing/interactive workshop for teens and/or adults that provides engaging exercises, to create dialogue and build bridges within and beyond the Jewish Community.

To learn more, visit kaleidoscopejews.org