By Diane Baer, , Seattle
“Explaining the Tribe of Judah” by Diana Brement (Oct. 19), does an excellent job of covering the interesting Oct. 15 Seattle program featuring Aaron Kintu Moses from the Abayudaya Jewish Community of Uganda. It also provides background to more fully understand the origins of this unique Jewish community. The kippot and CDs, which did sell out, were a big hit. Though not available for purchase [as reported], many who attended enjoyed the brewed fair-trade, organic, shade-grown Mirembe Kawomera coffee produced by members of the Abayudaya community with their Muslim and Christian neighbors (visit www.deliciouspeace.com for more information).
The Commission on Social Action of the Union for Reform Judaism, which brought the opportunity to host this interesting speaker to the attention of its members, (including Art Siegal of Seattle’s Temple De Hirsch Sinai and myself), was mentioned in the article. The CSA is a unique and valuable part of the Reform Jewish Movement. We all wish that the many ideas and opportunities for congregation-based as well as community-wide events suggested by the commission through the regular e-mail communications of its director were possible. The success of the Kintu Moses program confirms for us that we are indeed fortunate to have such a resource available to us. Keep the ideas coming— we will do our part. Visit the Commission on Social Action Web site to learn more: www.urj.org/csa.