Barrett Holman Leak

Contemporary Torah, Parsha Tsav: We Are Each Called

While I have always known I was born B’tzelem Elohim (in the image of God), as a child and through college, I saw many rabbis, but did not see anyone on the bima who looked like me. No one female. Definitely no Black female rabbis. Eventually, I learned there were some women rabbis, and in 2009, one African American woman rabbi was ordained in the Reform tradition. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Contemporary Torah, Parsha Shemini: Loss, Grief and Community

This narrative bursting with the anticipation of sacred inauguration, abruptly descends into the chilling silence of loss. The joyous celebration, the culmination of meticulous preparation, is shattered by the sudden, devastating demise of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons –  a consuming fire that leaves Aaron speechless. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Contemporary Torah Interpretation: Ki Tissa

When Moses comes down from Mount Sinai, he’s holding the rules by which they were to live and sees this golden calf party. Dancing and drinking are happening. But the righteous indignation was real—Moses smashed the tablets. Can you imagine the scene? Tablets shattered. Music stopped. People caught in mid-twerk. Silence. It was awkward. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Women of the Bible: Esther Was a Courageous Queen

One of my favorite times of the year is coming soon. Each year, I volunteer at the annual Temple Emanu-El of San Diego’s Purim Carnival. I serve my community by handing out tickets and dispensing snacks and drinks to the colorfully costumed and joyful children and their adults. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Dumisani Washington Rebuilds Bridge Between San Diego’s Black and Jewish Communities

The weekend of February 21-23 was one to remember for me as an African American, as a Jewish American, as a woman. It was deeply rewarding to be affirmed on multiple levels by the teaching and preaching of Dumisani Washington, Pastor and CEO of Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel on the Stronger Together Weekend. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Founder of Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel Visits San Diego County This Weekend

Dumisani Washington, founder and chief executive officer of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI), will participate in five Jewish communal events in San Diego County from Friday, Feb. 21, through Sunday, Feb. 23.  [SDJW staff report]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Black and Jewish Civil Rights Alliance Recalled in ‘Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round’

For almost 60 years, Glen Echo Amusement Park was the wholesome, beloved playground of White metropolitan Washington, DC. Every summer, tens of thousands enjoyed its Crystal Pool, wooden rollercoaster, Spanish Ballroom, Tunnel of Love and Carousel. However, the African American children living nearby could only watch all the fun from a distance, along the nearby roadway. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Barrett Holman Leak Seeks to Build Bridges Between Jewish and African American Communities

Barrett Holman Leak has dedicated her life to being a bridge builder. With that in mind, it was no surprise that she noticed a gap between the Jewish and African American Jewish communities. Recognizing the need for connection, she decided to organize a shared Shabbat dinner. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Judaism, Miriam Gershenson, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘The Accusation’ at SD International Jewish Film Festival Tells Story of a Rape Trial

Rape survivors are questioned about their mental health, their ability to tell reality, their veracity and their recollection of events. Their dignity is diminished and they are accused of nefarious motives for reporting a crime. In The Accusation the blurry, dark hinterlands between “he said” and “she said” are vivid in this entry in the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, International, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

AJC Calls for Standing Together, Fighting Antisemitism through Alliances

What spoke loudly throughout the February 2 event was the realization among the American Jewish community that standing strong in the fight against the pervasive antisemitism ravaging American society (including school and university campuses) means standing together with non-Jewish allies. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

OpEd: ‘Protecting My Peace,’ Part 2

So, here I stand at the intersection, in my skin, in my culture, in my community, as a human being who is African American, Jewish American and female. I always recognize quite clearly when one of those components is being left out of a conversation or consideration. I am very aware that collaboration between Black and Jewish communities can create a powerful alliance to combat hate, promote mutual understanding, and protect the peace and well-being of all. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: After Donald Trump’s Inauguration, I’ll Be ‘Protecting My Peace’

This inauguration, for me, was a tragic way to honor this day, which is the American federal holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There was a celebration and inauguration of Trump and his oligarchic Cabinet of mostly elite rich white men on a day commemorating one of the greatest Americans, one of the most globally recognized African Americans, and one of the most ardent Zionists and activists for racial and economic justice in history – The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA