English Speakers Activities Column

English Speakers Activities Column: Welcoming Bechol Lashon: (In Every Tongue) visitors to KSI, Erev Shabbat, March 4, 2016

In my introductory column last week I wrote about this synagogue being the "big tent" in Jewish life here in Panama. As I look at my fellow Jews at services I can proudly say that we are truly a diverse community. We are inclusive and show it. We are descendants of those who escaped the Inquisition, to those who survived the Holocaust, to transplants from other countries, to those reclaiming their Jewish heritage after generations of being Anusim (unwillingly converted) or better known as conversos, to those choosing Judaism for personal reasons.  

And by writing the above, I am reminded that our congregation is the only one that offers conversion classes! 

I am gratified by what I observe as the joy individuals express in being with like-minded fellow coreligionists at synagogue and particularly like what I call "the big hug" at the end of Friday night services. 

Last week I was approached by fellow congregant Osvaldo (Ozzie) Dietez McKail asking me to assist him in planning for the visit of the American Jewish College students affiliated with an organization called Bechol Lashon In Every Tongue), to Panama  and our congregation..

On Friday night, March 4, 2016 we will be visited at Shabat by men and women in their early to mid-twenties including 3 staff.  I invite all members to join me in welcoming our guests.

Here is an excerpt from the group’s leader, Aryeh Weinberg’s email to me:

"Be'chol Lashon Travel builds upon over a decade of work with Jewish communities around the world to develop unique travel experiences for North American Jewish college students. 

Rabbi Juan Mejia, one of Be'chol Lashon's regional directors, has been instrumental in developing BL Travel in Central and South America. Rabbi Mejia was raised in Bogota and was the first of his family to reclaim his Jewish heritage that was lost or hidden as a result of the Spanish Inquisition. Rabbi Mejia works extensively with Jewish communities in Central and South America, building bridges between communities and providing instruction and support to isolated communities. 

BL Travel launched in 2015 with Spring Break trips to Colombia, meeting with Jewish communities in Bogota, Medellin, Santa Marta and Barranquilla. In 2016, 18 students from Vanderbilt University Hillel will join us in Panama where we will meet the local community, perform volunteer work and get to know the country and culture. 

BL Travel in Central and South America emphasizes the unique Jewish history of the region, teaching students about the impact of the Spanish Inquisition, subsequent waves of immigration and modern developments in community relations."

 And from the organization’s website:

Vision: A Global Jewish People

Imagine a new global Judaism that transcends differences in geography, ethnicity, class, race, ritual practice, and beliefs. Discussions about “who-is-a-real-Jew” will be replaced with celebration of the rich, multi-dimensional character of the Jewish people.

Jews around the world face serious demographic challenges. Worldwide, the number of Jews is stagnant. Decimated by the Holocaust, Jews now comprise only 0.2% of the world's people. We believe the Jewish population, through pro-active efforts, could grow. 

We seek to overcome the significant organizational, cultural and ideological barriers to growth in the Jewish community. A more expansive Judaism is particularly engaging for younger and unaffiliated Jews who want Judaism to reflect the global community in which they live.

Mission

Be'chol Lashon (In Every Tongue) grows and strengthens the Jewish people through ethnic, cultural, and racial inclusiveness. We advocate for the diversity that has characterized the Jewish people throughout history, and through contemporary forces including intermarriage, conversion and adoption. We foster an expanding Jewish community that embraces its differences.

Be'chol Lashon Goals

We strive to:

Build networks of global Jewish leaders

Strengthen diverse Jewish communities around the world

Educate Jews and the general public about Jewish diversity

http://bechollashon.org/

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Thank you Ozzie for reaching out to me and again join me in welcoming our friends to synagogue in March!

Have a question or comment? Email me at: robert.jacobvitz@sbcglobal.net

Robert