I just noticed your post! I’m glad to clear up your confusion! My mom is bi-racial and has the appearance of a light-toned African-American. You thought you sounded awful, but this may sound worse: my biological genetic source was, as my mother describes “the darkest man she’s ever seen.” The whole story is that my mother had been dating who I have always known to be my “Father,” since prior to my conception. Days before I was conceived, it was around Hanukkah, and my father was not permitted to bring my half-black mother home for the holiday. This prompted her resolve to date “black.” However, upon my forceful conception, after this “date”, my mother returned to “my father” (of Ashkenazim/Sephardi heritage – not my genetic source – to be clear) who would then renounce his family to ensure that “she [myself] would not be without a father.” My father was a very noble man, may his soul be at peace. The families were later brought together two years later at the Bris of my brother – their first biological child together. I am the most Brown member of my family. My Brothers and sister clearly reflect the mix of my mother and father! However, I am their true love’s essence, and their first Jewish American Princess…

I’m checking it out now:)

Thanks!
Are you referring to Shiloh, IL? It sounds like my kind of place, of course outside of my favorite place – Israel!!!!

Thank you, and you are of no bother whatsoever! From my understanding, “lucrative” careers, particularly for foreigners, are generally in the areas of science and technology, as well as sales and marketing. If you are interested in International Affairs, I recommend studying here for a semester, and really mastering the language while in college to make your chances of success when you make Aliyah greater. Whether for credit hours, or for your own experience and marketability, I’m sure obtaining an internship with the Ministry of the Interior/Foreign Affairs/Absorption or a UN agency might provide good insight as well as beneficial networking opportunities. There are also many human rights orgs and NGO’s that you could get involved with. Also, when you make Aliyah, you have the opportunity to obtain a Master’s degree for free (in Hebrew generally), and there are some really good programs that focus on International Affairs, Conflict Resolution, etc. My favorite quote: “Aliyah! Do it!!” Everything is possible…Just prepare and never be discouraged!! You are on the right track! All the best and feel free to reach out anytime!!

From what my cousins in the states tell me, the results of mixed marriages have made “guessing religion” totally impossible there.

Well, young Batya, welcome to Israel. If you want to check out Shiloh, please let me know.

out of curiosity, do you know what kind of careers are valued in israel, particularly from someone who speaks english/russian? i’m off to college in a year and the only thing i know is that i want to work in international affairs. i’ve been planning on making aliyah since i was 14, and that hasn’t changed. so if you can tell me anything that would be wonderful!

thank you, sorry to bother you!

I wish you the best in all of the endeavors you pursue here.

Yeah. Blame it on me. I didn’t originally mention anything about Batya’s Mom being Jewish because, well, frankly Batya seemed pretty Jewish to me. And she was on a NBN flight and an olah. I just assumed… I mentioned her Dad’s status because his last name was the same as a guy I went to high school with and I got all excited by the Sephardic connection. I understand this may have caused some confusion but I wasn’t purposely trying to be vague or editorializing. Sorry!

Paying off your loans from Israel is possible, just not on the ten year plan! I plan to extend the term in exchange for a lower monthly payment. Clearly doing so means paying more in the end, but it is worth the sacrifice. There are many legal jobs for American trained attorneys, particularly in the areas of patent and transactional law. Additionally, as you may know, there are all sorts of jobs where a law degree and English mother-tounge are relevant (i.e., business, international human rights, non-profit orgs, NGO’s, etc.) it’s just about being diligent in networking and pursuing such opportunities. Aliyah! Do it!

You seem to be under a misapprehension.

My “confusion” had nothing whatsoever to do with your skin color as you seem to think. The only reason I was confused is because it wasn’t clear from ck’s original post (which he later edited) that your mother was actually Jewish. Somehow, the way he wrote it made me wonder, especially since most of the post dealt with what appeared to be certain issues you had over your mixed identity and how being in Israel had solved them.

If he had made it clear that your mother was bi-racial and Jewish, I wouldn’t have bothered to say anything. I know a Jewish woman who is half Korean and half black, so the fact that you are racially mixed is not particularly out of the ordinary, at least for me.

Anyway, there is no case to open or close, so I think you can relax.

As a recent law school graduate myself, 1) how the heck are you guys paying off your loans (if you have any) in Israel and 2) how to do plan on using/use your legal education that you obtained in the US in Israel? I want to make aliyah, but at this point I don’t quite see how it is financially feasible. Thanks!!

I understand how you could be confused. Nevertheless, your worrying should rest at ease because I am not looking for acceptance from anyone or group. I know who I am and I accept myself above all. But also of importance is that I made Aliyah, and only Jews have that right – case closed, for me.

The makeup of your family sounds amazing and beautiful. I actually went to a Reform Synagogue for 2nd Seder this year and it was amazing to see all of the mixes among the children. Inter-racial Jews are becoming more common, and I find less and less that it is an issue. In fact, many people I know think it’s super-cool to be a mixed Jew. It’s like you get the best of everything! I think it’s possible your children may have interesting/challenging experiences because of being “Jewpanese” during their younger years, but it will play out to be one of the greatest gifts to be born into. Very special.

All the best to you and your family. And yes, the adventure has just begun!!

Yes, that was sort of a silly question, and yes my maternal grandfather is African American. I have always been considered African American generally, and whether or not I am “black enough for the African American community” is not a matter of my concern, in fact it’s irrelevant. I have faced many of the same challenges and experiences that go along with “living as an African American” in America, and arguably more because I am also Jewish.

Since ck’s original post didn’t make it clear that you actually were Jewish, I was sort of worried about you, actually. The way he wrote it, not specifying that your mother was Jewish but being very clear that your father was, made me wonder. I guess I was reading too much into the post. I hope you didn’t take offense.

My wife is a Japanese giyoret, and so my children over the years have gotten more than their share of quizzical stares and arched eyebrows. Orthodox people in particular need to know that the gerut was kosher and that everything is on the up and up. Once they know, everything is copacetic. But until they know that, they are concerned, as is only to be expected. And nothing is more terrible for a person than to grow up thinking they’re Jewish only to find out later that well, no, they’re not. Most “cultural” Jews I know still don’t really get the idea of a “Jewpanese”, but that’s their problem, not mine.

Anyway, best of luck to you in your new life. I hope you find what you are looking for. It sounds like the beginning of a great adventure.