The cover of this issue of the LA Jewish Journal is problematic to me. I refuse to believe that postsecondary education and journalistic experience renders one unable to come up with a better headline than this.
“Hasidic Jew” with a Black guy on the cover. Before we get to the fact that it’s Nissim – a multifaceted individual with an entire life story – the bold text that’s supposed to sell the print issue? “Hasidic Jew”.
To me, this is symptomatic of a bigger issue. For all the lip service given to diversity and inclusion, we’re still seen as a novelty by enough of klal Yisrael that a phrase like this was chosen.
When I first came on to the scene in 2001, performing at bars in Manhattan, a cover like this would have been understandable. This would be years before the world would hear of Matisyahu – the idea of “Hasidic hip-hop” was already not in the vernacular, much less the idea of Black Orthodox Jews (I was vehemently against being called Hasidic at the time, professionally) performing said hip-hop. Rabbi Shais Rishon would just be deciding on the nom de plume MaNishtana. Black communities in Satmar and other Hasidic sects were living quietly, for sure not visible to Jewish media.
Fast forward two decades, through me, MaNishtana, Shyne, high-profile Black Orthodox funerals, Amar’e Stoudemire, multiple organizations and talks, and numerous Black history months — and we’re still talking like this. “Ooh, look! A Black Hasid! Take a picture!”
Yes, Nissim is a proud chassid. An echter Chassid. Durch und durch. I would have thought that obvious from his outfit, but in case the peyos, bekitche and hat weren’t clues, yes, he’s Hasidic. Maybe a quote from his Rebbe that he lives by? Maybe a line like “from gangsta to G-d” or some other line denoting his religious observance level?
No, we don’t need that kind of nuance. He’s a “Hasidic Jew” and look at him.
The article itself is actually quite comprehensive, going into Nissim’s background, upbringing and conversion. I identify with a lot of what he speaks of – going hardcore into religion as a kid, running with the “wrong crowd”, rediscovering G-d.
In fact, one thing jumps out at me in particular:
Though Black learned Sephardic teachings, when he discovered Hasidic Judaism, he was hooked.
Nissim
“Becoming a Jew was very dramatic, with the amount of praying and fasting and personal growth I was going through,” he said. “It wasn’t until I came across Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and Rabbi Shalom Arush that gave me back the fire I originally had. I learned with Shmuel Brody, who had such a love and fire for Hashem. He made me realize I could be the same. There is such a soulfulness and spirituality to Hasidic Judaism.”
It’s wild that Rebbe Nachman is so integral to both of our lives. R’ Nachman’s Sichos ha’Ran was a powerful source of strength for me during my conversion and I doubt I would have started the process without it; Breslov Chassidim were some of the people who always could be relied on for learning and conversation, even in the worst racist scenario in Brooklyn.
I wonder if R’ Nachman or R’ Nosson had any idea how many Black Jews their teachings and transcriptions would inspire, create and bring to Torah.
So why not lead with an element of this on the cover? A piece of his inspirational journey towards Chassidus? Maybe a line of his from one of his hit songs? Anything?
Nope, it’s “Hasidic Jew”.
Things like this are responsible for at least 30% of the sideeye coming from Jews of Color when inclusion gets brought up.
