'The Changing Face of Judaism: A Search for Jewish Identity in North America'

Start Date: January 29 7:00 PM
This event is open to the public

What does it mean to say “I’m Jewish” in America? Is there a difference between being an American Jew and a Jewish American? What is the relationship between the different sects of Judaism, and is it a healthy one? What does the future of Judaism in America look like? Join CAMD Scholar Lily Shaffer '10 on Friday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m., for her presentation titled “The Changing Face of Judaism: A Search for Jewish Identity in North America.” The presentation, which is open to the public, will be in Kemper Auditorium, in the Elson Art Center, on 5 Chapel Ave., in Andover, Mass. All are invited to Shabbat services in Kemper Chapel at 6 p.m., prior to the presentation.  Phillips Academy chaplain Rabbi Michael Swartz serves as faculty advisor for this project. 

According to Shaffer, the project originated from her personal struggle for Jewish identity; with only one Jewish parent, Shaffer was told by some that she was  “half Jewish.” Shaffer argues that a person can not be "half Christian” or “half Hindu,” so why Jewish? Her research presents the history of Jews in America and the identity struggles many face today. It acknowledges Judaism as a civilization from which one can draw as much or as little as one would like, depicting the ever-changing face of Judaism in America.

Shaffer will be joined by "The Hebrew Mamita," performer Vanessa Hidary. Hidary will share poetry, short stories and discussion. Hidary wrote "Culture Bandit," a solo show that chronicles her coming of age in the golden age of hip-hop. She has performed the show around the country and has appeared on "Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry" on HBO. For more information on Hidary, visit www.hebrewmamita.com.

In keeping with Phillips Academy's statement of purpose. the mission of the Office of Community and Multicultural Development (CAMD) is to raise awareness and encourage understanding of differences of race, awareness and encourage understanding of difference of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, geographical origin, and sexual orientation. CAMD fosters the belief that through investigation and greater understanding of experiences outside of our own, we come to a greater understanding of ourselves.

Photo by Yuto Watanabe '12