Southern & Jewish

Southern & Jewish celebrates the stories, people, and experiences – past and present – of Jewish life in the American South. Hosted by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, posts come from educators, students, rabbis, parents, artists, and many other “visitors-to and daily-livers-of” the Southern Jewish experience. From road trips to recipes to reflections, we’ll explore a little bit of everything – well, at least all things Southern and/or Jewish. Shalom, y’all!

A Whipping Man Seder

The Whipping Man , by playwright Matthew Lopez, depicts an amazing historical convergence: the Civil War’s end, this nation’s long ...

Some “Deeply Held Religious Beliefs” Aren’t What You Think

In the late 1970s, my Uncle Eric Rofes marched in a gay pride parade in the Boston area with a ...

How Many More Years Of Slaves?

This morning, my friend and co-worker Nonnie asked me if I had seen the Oscars. I told her I had ...

Is Mardi Gras More Jewish Than You Think?

The parades of Mardi Gras are a communal event. It isn’t unusual for folks to begin gathering in their favorite ...

Star Wars Shabbaton: The Force Was With Us

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a student who wanted to have a Star ...

Jewish Camp Scholarships: Are We Being Mensches?

Like many Jewish children, my kids live for camp! They count down every day of the year until it’s time ...

A Noose Around James Meredith’s Neck: Where Do We Go From Here?

Earlier this week, in Oxford, Mississippi,  two unidentified perpetrators placed a noose around the neck of the James Meredith statue at ...

From the South to Spain: Surprising Jewish Connections

This blog post comes from Linnea Hurst, who interned in the ISJL’s Community Engagement department last summer. I wasn’t raised ...

What Is “Fellow Standard Time”?

Jewish Standard Time (noun): The justification for Jewish events or Jewish people running late.Fellow Standard Time:  (noun): Nothing standard about ...

Here’s to Funny Valentines, Y’all

If you’re wondering whether or not Jews should send valentines, give chocolates, and generally “feel the love” when it comes ...