Newark Synagogue Welcomes Jews Of Color For Black History Month

NEWARK, NJ — A historic synagogue continues to build its relationship with the African-American Jewish community in the Newark area for Black History Month 2023.

Congregation Ahavas Sholom at 145 Broadway is welcoming Jews of color at a series of events in February. Earlier this month, the synagogue hosted a day-long event and Shabbat services, inviting four congregations of African-American Jews from New York City to the temple.

The event culminated with the opening of the art history exhibit in the Jewish Museum of New Jersey on the second floor of the synagogue. That exhibit will also be on display from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19.

The day of worship and celebration included an appearance from Michelle Obama’s cousin, Rabbi Capers Funnye, who leads one of the largest Black synagogues in America: Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation of Chicago. The congregation first invited Funnye as its scholar in residence for Dr. Martin Luther King weekend in 2011. He co-leads Ahavas Sholom’s “Diversity United” monthly lecture and discussion group via Zoom.

Other events held this month at the synagogue include a Black Film Festival documentary screening.

Last year, prior to the High Holidays, the congregation formalized its partnership with the Israelite Board of Rabbis, naming Eliyahu Elijah Collins as associate rabbi.

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