Join the EDCJCC, WETA, and the DC Jewish community for an evening of learning, reflection, and conversation. The program will begin with a screening of episode three of Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s documentary series Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History. This powerful series traces the complex relationship between Black and Jewish Americans — a history shaped by both solidarity and tension — while exploring the challenges and enduring promise of that connection.

Following the screening, hear from a panel of Jews of Color from the DMV region, including Rabbi Shais Rishon and Chess Jakobs, as they reflect on the series and discuss how it addresses and represents the experiences of Black Jews in the United States. Panelists will also explore the importance of strengthening interfaith partnerships in this moment and discuss the role community members can play in supporting local Jewish organizations of color already engaged in interfaith solidarity work.

Tickets are $15, with proceeds going directly toward supporting the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center and the cost of hosting community programming. The ticket fee is not in exchange for viewing any film content. This event includes drinks and light desserts (Kosher options available).

We want everyone who would like to join us to be able to participate, so please reach out to Mira Smith at msmith@edcjcc.org if the ticket cost presents a barrier.

Rabbi Shais Rishon, known by his pen name MaNishtana, is an Orthodox African-American rabbi, author, educator, and thought leader whose work sits at the intersection of faith, race, and Jewish identity. Blending sharp scholarship with cultural fluency, he challenges assumptions about what—and who—constitutes the Jewish experience. Rabbi Rishon is the author of Ariel Samson: Freelance Rabbi” a 2018 Jewish Book Council Awards finalist for Debut Fiction; The Souls of Black Jewish Folk released in February of 2026; and the upcoming B’Esh Sh’chorah/In Black Fire, the first Torah commentary written by an Eidot CHeMDaT”A Jew, and his essays, lectures, media appearances, and sermons have redefined conversations on inclusion and authenticity within contemporary Judaism. He is also the founder of Ohel Eidot Chemdata, the first modern-orthodox synagogue centering African American (Eidot CHeMDaT”A) Jews headquartered in our nation’s capital. Through his writing, storytelling, teaching, and lecturing Rabbi Rishon continues to expand the canvas of Jewish life, illuminating its diverse voices and sacred possibilities

Chess Jakobs is a Black and Jewish American writer and environmental scientist whose debut play “The American Five,” won the 2026 Helen Hayes Award for Best Play. Chess is a Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissioned Playwright and a playwright in Expanding The Cannon with Theater J. Chess is also the founder of Better Trace Project and sits on the Board of Advisors for DC Climate Week.

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