Evolving Black–Jewish Ties

Join us with Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum as we examine the Black-Jewish relationship and what it teaches us about today.

Jews have historically taken pride in our having had a prominent role in supporting the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. But since that time, the Black-Jewish relationship has been complicated. Does this relationship have a future in a post-October 7th world? How does the growth of antisemitism and anti-Zionism in America impact Black-Jewish relations? What can we learn from the evolution of this relationship about how Jews should understand social justice today? And what can this relationship teach us about how Jews should connect to non-Jewish communities?

Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum is rabbi emeritus of Herzl-Ner Tamid Congregation on Mercer Island. His work as a rabbi has been rooted in the central Jewish spiritual practice of Torah study which at its core is about harmonizing diverse opinions. He believes that if you can close the gap between two seemingly unconnectable ideas, you can overcome the barriers between two human beings. For the past ten years, he has concentrated on deepening understanding between Black Christians and Jews, Muslims and Jews, and American Liberals and Conservatives. He currently leads a monthly zoom Bible study group of Black Christian and Jewish clergy from nine cities across the country.

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