Dr. Mijal Bitton: Translating Sephardi and Mizrahi Stories in America
Sep 19, 2023
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Dr. Mijal Bitton, translator for Sephardi and Mizrahi stories, discusses the trajectory of these communities in the US, misunderstandings within the American Jewish community, experiences of women leaders in orthodox communities, and the unique experiences of Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews. They also explore the limitations of identity politics and the importance of understanding difference within America.
Fostering relationships and prioritizing love and care can counteract the dominance of ideology and foster inclusivity in the Jewish community.
The Sephardic Jewish community offers insights into maintaining normativity and cultural deviance while fostering a sense of identity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Relationships and Identity Shaping
Dr. Michal Bitton emphasizes the significance of relationships in shaping identities, highlighting the role of love and care in fostering a sense of community. She believes that relationships can counteract the dominance of ideology and the dangers of subverting human connections to ideological commitments. Dr. Bitton suggests that a relational approach to Judaism, grounded in the Jewish tradition's historical focus on relationships, can offer a valuable alternative to the prevalent ideological framework. By prioritizing relationships, she argues, we can cultivate inclusivity and a deeper understanding of diverse Jewish experiences.
The Organic Nature of Sephardic Jewry
In discussing the Sephardic Jewish community, Dr. Michal Bitton highlights its unique approach to encountering modernity. Unlike Ashkenazi Jewish communities, she explains, Sephardic Jewry did not face the same rupture between tradition and modernity. This allowed for a more continued and organic expression of their collective ethnicity, emphasizing social organization and collective norms rather than solely relying on a religious framework. Dr. Bitton suggests that the Sephardic experience offers insights into how communities can maintain both normativity and cultural deviance while fostering a sense of identity.
The Integration of Tradition and Modernity through Relationships
Dr. Michal Bitton argues for the importance of relationships in integrating tradition and modernity within the Jewish community. She emphasizes the need to move away from an ideological approach and instead embrace the relational aspects of Judaism. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, she demonstrates how relationships can bridge the gap between different Jewish communities, allowing for the exchange of values and practices. Dr. Bitton advocates for maintaining a sense of authenticity and human connection, which can counteract the divisive influenc of ideological polarization.
The Sociological and Theological Connection
Dr. Michal Bitton discusses the interconnected nature of sociological and theological perspectives. She explores the symbiotic relationship between the sociological study of Sephardic Jewish communities and her theological reflections. Dr. Bitton emphasizes the sociological importance of relationships and collective norms while highlighting the theological significance of a relational approach to Judaism. She suggests that both sociological and theological thinking are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of Jewish identity and the challenges of the modern world.
Episode 44 of What Gives? the Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network. Dr. Mijal Bitton, Rosh Kehilla and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan, talks to JFN President and CEO Andres Spokoiny about being a translator for the stories of Sephardi, Mizrahi, and other non-Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Andres and Mijal talk about what the trajectory of those communities has been in the United States, and the misunderstandings that the larger American Jewish community has about the recent waves of immigrant Jews, politically and culturally. Mijal also gives insight into being a woman leader in an orthodox religious community, and witnessing the transcendence of god through parenthood.
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