What Does a Jew Look Like? A Video by the Jewish Multiracial Network
(By Erika Davis, Board member, Jewish Multiracial Network)
“Wait, you’re Jewish?
“Yes, I’m Jewish.”
“But you don’t look Jewish.”
“Well, what does Jewish look like to you?”
Silence.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had to have that conversation, yet it’s a conversation I’ve had several times in my life. And I’m not alone. Most multiracial Jews and Jews of Color have been told that they don’t look Jewish, which always begs the question, “What does a Jew look like?” The Jewish Multiracial Network, a 17 year-old organization whose mission is to spread awareness about Multiracial Jewish families and Jews of Color through education has released a video that answers the “Jewish Question” in a minute-thirty seconds beautifully. The fact is, there isn’t one way to look Jewish.
I’m disappointed not to see any Asian or Latino faces. I have three adopted children, two Asian, one Peruvian. They are not represented here. I love the clip and JMN which I encountered over 10 years ago. Great resource, but images need to be more extensive to reflect the Jewish world.
Thanks,
Andria
Thanks for the feedback, Andria! We took footage for this video at our 2013 retreat and some participants were more camera-shy than others.
We have plans to make videos of multiracial Jewish families celebrating Shabbat and want to do a High Holidays video as well as a calendar.
Please follow us on Facebook to stay in touch and get information to share your family’s photos and videos.
I’m disappointed to not see my particular shade of pink represented among the faces of your video. Until my shade of pink is represented, your organization, while wonderful, completely lacks all credibility or legitimacy. I’m also planning on genetically engineering a child with a luminescent pigment beyond our perceived optical spectrum. Just a fair warning to your awesome, but soon to be even further discredited organization.
Thank you,
-Victor