Pointing to the many times in Bamidbar that Jews are counted, Ilana Kaufman explores the question: Who is counted? Being counted matters because to be counted is an affirmation of belonging; being counted provides context and identity. Using National census and Jewish studies data, Kaufman shows that Jews of Color are already a substantial percentage of the Jewish population. Yet, because of institutional racism and microaggressions from white Jews, synagogues and Jewish organizations alienate and turn away Jews of Color. Kaufman argues that racism hurts the entire Jewish community and urges us to implement a continental strategic plan in order to begin building an inclusive community reflective of the ethnic and racial diversity of the Jewish people.
