The Abayudaya Jews of Uganda

Meet Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, leader of the Abayudaya Jews of eastern Uganda. Learn about the history of this unique Jewish community, its daily challenges and its relationships with its Muslim and Christian neighbors. Rabbi Sizomu also performs and teaches several original Abayudaya Jewish songs, featuring traditional Jewish liturgy set to African rhythms and melodies. Part of the Upcoming Events of the Resource Center for Jewish Diversity. Date & Time: Tue, May 3, 2011, 8:15pm Location: Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street Directions Code: T-RC5JD04-01 Price: $29.00 This event does not have reserved seating. If you require special seating considerations or if you'd like to purchase more tickets than available above, please call a Y-Charge operator at 212.415.55

Brief Biography
Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the leader of the Abayudaya Jews of Uganda, is the first black rabbi from sub-Saharan Africa to be ordained at an American rabbinic school. As a visionary community leader, he chose to attend a rabbinic seminary to better understand ancient and modern Judaism and bring the Ugandan community into mainstream Judaism. In 2003, Rabbi Sizomu was awarded a Be'chol Lashon Fellowship to attend the 5-year Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies program at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. In 2008, he was ordained and returned home to Uganda to lead his Jewish community and establish a yeshiva in Uganda to train Jews from ancient and emerging communities throughout Africa. Today, Rabbi Sizomu, a charismatic leader and accomplished musician, continues to help his community remain healthy and strong, both physically and spiritually. The Abayudaya are a growing community of over 1,000 Jews living among their 10,000 Christian and Muslim neighbors in scattered villages in the rolling, green hills of Eastern Uganda. With the support of Be'chol Lashon, the Abayudaya are engaged in a comprehensive Health and Development Project that includes building a Health Center, preventing disease, and developing economy. Improved healthcare and community development provided by the Abayudaya Jews to their Christian and Muslim neighbors fosters good will and cooperation among the communities.