Rabbi's Week in Review Blog

Referring to travel to unique and far-away places as a “trip of a lifetime” may seem like an exaggeration, but the experience that Rabbi and I had, visiting the Abayudaya (literally the People of Judah) - the Jews of Uganda - was a trip of a lifetime. the experience that Rabbi and I had, visiting the Abayudaya (literally the People of Judah) - the Jews of Uganda - was a trip of a lifetime. These very poor, very remote, rural subsistence communities of Jews date back to 1919. Today they receive support from the organization, Global Villages Connect with whom we traveled on this extraordinary journey.

One could not blame the Abayudaya if they responded to the difficulty of their lives with resentment, anger and/or persistent depression. They've been denied needed benefits by a corrupt government, including access to healthcare and education. They lack basic infrastructure such as public transportation, leaving them with unpaved, difficult to travel roads.

Yet, we were met with welcoming smiles, love and celebrations of African drumming, song, dance and hugs. The Abayudaya are gracious and joyful; unabashedly dedicated Jews who truly love being Jewish. They shared their food, their culture, and most of all the stories of their lives.

As not much of an aside, our Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service was like none other I have experienced. Ten singers with beautiful, glorious voices singing the psalms in Luganda, accompanied by African drumming and teenagers spontaneously providing dancing to the music.

These determined people, and particularly the women, through Global Villages Connect, trained to be business entrepreneurs in order to better their lives, and to facilitate an education for their children so they can better their lives. Teachers who have dedicated their lives to better their community.

We were also lucky enough to see beautiful waterfalls, hike through coffee and corn fields, and go on safari with giraffes, antelope, elephants, rhinos, and lions.  We also trekked in the impenetrable forest to encounter a family of thirteen mountain gorillas in the wild.

I returned with more than memories. My desire is to build on the connections made with the Abayudaya, to continue and grow those relationships. I am looking forward to working through Global Villages to support these incredible people, developing a project that will connect our Kol Ami community to the Abayudaya of Uganda.  

Please join Rabbi Doug and I for a talk on our trip with pictures and video clips — along with our Purim celebration on March 13th. More details to come in upcoming newsletters.