Kamochah

🌟 BH! Exciting opportunity for young Jewish girls! 🌟

Introducing בּנות! "B'nos: A division of Kamochah's Echad V’Achas program" – a transformative experience tailored for young Jewish girls. Embark on a journey of self-discovery, embrace your heritage, and develop leadership skills in a nurturing environment. 📚✨

🔗 Sign up now and take your first step with B'nos, where your journey begins and your voice matters!

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A quick thought regarding the rise in global antisemitism and our post October 7th reality

Shanah Tovah! Happy New Year!

May you and yours be written and sealed for a sweet, happy, and healthy new year in a revealed way!

In response to an unfortunate Juneteenth related audio clip that was recently circulated

By Kamochah Co-founder,
Rabbi Yonasan Perry

(Note: The rest of the response will be posted in the comments.)

I write today in response to an unfortunate audio clip that was recently circulated; one that was not only racially insensitive but also painfully dismissive of the significance of Juneteenth, a federally recognized day in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This commentary disrespects the experiences of Black Jews and undermines the important lessons we ought to teach our Jewish children.

In the face of prejudice and hate, it is often easy to respond in kind, with anger or despair. But our tradition, wisdom, and shared heritage as Jews call upon us to rise above, to elevate our discourse and strive for understanding and respect.

Our Torah teaches us that every human being is created בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹקים "b'tzelem Elokim," in the image of Gd (Genesis 1:27). This profound declaration reminds us of the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. When we devalue someone because of their race, we are not simply insulting that individual; we dishonor the Divine essence within them.

It is also essential to remember the Talmudic teaching of our sages, כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה "Kol Yisroel arevim zeh b'zeh" — all Jews are responsible for one another. As members of the Jewish community, we have an obligation to each other, and a duty that extends to the broader human community as well. We must remember this in our words and actions and continue to hold each other accountable and inspire one another to embody our best selves.

Upon hearing all that Hashem had done to the Egyptians in redeeming the Jewish people, the Torah tells us וַיִּ֣חַדְּ יִתְר֔וֹ “Jethro rejoiced”. Rashi explains that while the literal interpretation of the word וַיִּ֣חַדְּ Vayichad is “rejoiced”, there is a midrashic interpretation that associates the word וַיִּ֣חַדְּ with חִדּוּדִין Chidudin (goosebumps). His skin had developed goosebumps in horror over what had happened to the Egyptians (for he had lived among this people for many years). Rashi continues by citing the Talmudic directive never to speak disparagingly about another people in front of someone who descends from another nation even if that descent has not been direct for 10 generations. As Jews with African diasporic descent, there is an inherent connection to the people, history, and experience of our ancestors and it is incumbent upon all of our Jewish brothers and sisters to exhibit Jewish compassion.

There is a Talmudic teaching in Sanhedrin 37a that says, "Anyone who destroys a soul from among the Jewish people, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And anyone who saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world." Every person carries a universe within them, a story that is worthy of respect and understanding. To belittle the significance of Juneteenth is to disregard an essential part of that story for many of us.

The Torah tells us in Vayikra 19:18, "וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥ לְרֵעֲךָ֖ כָּמ֑וֹךָ" - "Love another as yourself. "Rabbi Akiva, one of the most venerated scholars in Jewish tradition, taught us that this Mitzvah is among the greatest principles of the Torah. This is not merely a directive of toleration or coexistence with our neighbors. It signifies the love we must cultivate for them – love that requires understanding, empathy, and the willingness to acknowledge their unique experiences, including the painful ones.

Hillel the Elder famously stated when asked to explain the Torah while standing on one foot, "What is hateful to you, do not do to another. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary" (Shabbos 31a). Hillel's words are a powerful reminder that the foundation of our tradition is rooted in empathy and respect for all.

The great medieval scholar Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon (commonly known as Maimonides or simply the RaMBaM), expressed in his magnum opus, Mishnah Torah, that when a person exemplifies insolence and cruelty, hatred toward people and not showing kindness to them, we seriously question their lineage and authenticity as a Jew. For the distinguishing signs of the Holy nation of the people of Yisroel is that they are humble, compassionate, and kind.

In doing so, we embody the spirit of "Kiddush Hashem," sanctifying Gd's name through our conduct. We should live our lives in a manner that brings honor to the Jewish people and our shared values, and most importantly, accurately reflects the ways of Hashem.

Our response to bigotry and hatred, then, is not one of bitterness or defeat. Instead, we respond with love, understanding, and the teachings of our Jewish heritage. Through this, we create a healthy environment where Jews of all ethnic backgrounds will feel acknowledged and loved.

Co-founder Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sj3gs46q3?fbclid=IwAR19X0E5juyWDT4bUIbbHLLo-QGTcsDJWV6JddWlSYWYNk9WH8vABi16vGI

Descendant of slaves who became Orthodox rabbi: 'People always looked at me different' Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein, son of African-American convert mother and descended from slaves in Alabama, reveals what it's like to face racism for both his black and Jewish heritage and how he works to fight discrimination

https://theedencenter.com/on-being-a-jewish-woman-of-color/?fbclid=IwAR02rQAH2Dx1FxdEXBtju9ApJ1rrtO_1Jelv_UEj2RaCBagg-x2gtfHqRkQ&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

On Being a Jewish Woman of Color Naturally, getting married is a stressful time for everyone. In addition to preparing to enter a new chapter of life, the Jewish bride has the additional pressure of somehow learning the seemingly complex laws regarding niddah. It's not uncommon to hear a kallah say how overwhelmed

Happy 2023!

We want to thank all attendees of Kamochah LA's final Shabbaton of 2022!

Even after Shabbat, some of our youngest attendees didn't want the fun to end!

https://mailchi.mp/5ab06ae7ed92/kamochah-chanukah-newsletter

Kamochah Chanukah Newsletter Kamochah Chanukah Newsletter

Shana Tova!

Join Kamochah for our Women’s Rosh Chodesh Elul gathering. Can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

Sign up for honey tasting with Kamochah of Baltimore! RSVP by September 4.

Never miss an opportunity to be a Matchmaker for Hashem. A lesson from Ashrei through an analysis in the Talmud and the Zohar

Chelek 18, Pinchas 4 - Rabbi Yonasan Perry Never miss an opportunity to be a Matchmaker for Hashem. A lesson from Ashrei through an analysis in the Talmud and the Zohar.

Kamochah of Baltimore
Museum and Dinner Meet up
Sunday, July 31, 2022

Join us @ 11 am in front of the museum.

Dinner to follow at Char Bar at 6pm

Please RSVP to [email protected] by July 24

National Museum of African-American History and Culture
For more information on the museum, please check out: https://nmaahc.si.edu/

Ride sharing options are available


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There is absolutely nothing to fear. Hashem is with us

Vol 18, Shlach 3, Rabbi Yonasan Perry

A child who comes of age is referred to as “a child who becomes an adult”, a freed slave is ”a slave who becomes free”. Why is a convert referred to as ”a Convert who converts”, not ”a non-Jew who converts”?

Vol 18 Behaaloscha 4, Rabbi Yonasan Perry Child who comes of age is referred to as "a child who becomes an adult", a freed slave, is "a slave who becomes free". Why is a convert referred to as "a con...

We are so proud of our board member Judith Krumbein and honored to be featured in this Baltimore Jewish Times article.

https://www.jewishtimes.com/the-last-word-creating-fun-and-educational-programming-with-judith-krumbein/

Creating fun and educational programming with Judith Krumbein JCC Assistant Director of Member Services Judith Krumbein talks about her work, her time spent living in Israel and her focus on education.

Chag Shavuot Sameach!

If you closely, you might find cheesecake, ice cream, and popsicles!

The angels took issue with the Torah being given to Moshe. A look into the Halachic stances of both sides through the lens of the inner dimension of Torah

Vol 18, Shavuos 1, Rabbi Yonasan Perry The angels took issue with the Torah being given to people living in this physical world. Moshe responds by pointing out the Torah's relevance to people over...

Sign up for our Rosh Chodesh gathering!

Today, the 14th of Iyar, marks Second Passover or Pesach Sheni (in Hebrew). This day was made for those who could not, for various reasons, properly make Pesach/Passover in it's proper time. Exactly 30 days later, another opportunity was given for people to make Pesach/Passover again.

This teaches us that there are always second chances and it is never too late. We can always try again and do better. If we go too far afield, we can always come back.

We celebrate by eating matzah and omitting Tachnun from prayer service.

Kamochah has two Lag B’Omer gatherings next week and we hope you can make them if you’re in the area!