Testimonials

Rekindle offers a forum to engage about difference and discover alliance.

Being part of the Rekindle program was eye-opening and meaningful for me as a Jew. It gave me a chance to really connect with people in the Black community and talk honestly about our shared history, our challenges, and how we can support each other today. The program reminded me that the Jewish value of tikkun olam, repairing the world, isn’t just about charity. It’s about building real relationships and standing up for what’s right, together.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my Jewish brothers and sisters outside of class. We’ve been on outings, shared meals, and cried together — seeing that we’re the same inside, separated only by man-made traditions and biases.

Jewish and Black people sat down, broke bread, and committed themselves to rekindle their bond. Without dialogue between individuals and communities, we are left with preconceived notions about one another. Rekindle bridges this gap. What we discovered is that our unity does not mean uniformity, and our collective humanity must always take precedence.

Rekindle gave me the opportunity to have an open and honest discussion about how African Americans and Jewish Americans rediscover our special bond that goes back several generations. As we continue the fight for justice, equity, and opportunity, this bond must be stronger than in today’s climate of hate, exclusion, and bigotry.

The readings and discussions are interesting and informative, but the real education comes through the relationships you build with the other members of the group.

The warmth, openness, and willingness of my cohort to be vulnerable was profound. Since our first session, my life has become richer because of the friendships formed through this program. As a committed Jew and social worker, I have always cared about human rights and social justice, but this experience renewed my passion and strengthened my commitment to bring more goodness, compassion, and love into the Cleveland community.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Rekindle experience. As the immediate Past President of the NAACP Memphis Branch, I had always been aware of the close relationship between the Jewish and Black communities. The times now more than ever call for the resurgence of this storied relationship. Rekindle answered that call. Let’s keep it going!

My favorite part of the Rekindle Fellowship was listening to the varying stories and experiences, which showed that we are more alike than different.

What I learned through Rekindle went far beyond individual growth. The conversations we had were necessary for creating a community where everyone felt heard, understood, and valued. We stepped out of our comfort zones to break barriers, and what we ended up with was meaningful and lasting relationships. Although our stories were different, we learned that we have more in common than we knew. Empathy, understanding, and friendships.

This program allowed me to grow as a human being and helped me better understand different perspectives. It helped me become a better leader and strengthened my advocacy for others. I would highly recommend the Rekindle Fellowship.

I particularly liked reaching out to fellow members for one-on-one connections. My knowledge of the Jewish community grew, as did my understanding of my own Black community.

It was important to my development as a Jewish leader not to just stay in my ‘Jewish bubble’ but to meet and build connections with the local Black community. I’m excited to keep building these friendships and to keep listening to and uplifting Black and Jewish voices alike.

It was a great accomplishment to be selected for and complete the Rekindle cohort. My experience with the program was fulfilling and rewarding — a real privilege to have had this opportunity.

A valuable experience — meeting Black members of my community for honest group and one-to-one conversations.