Playing Together Project’s mission is to center African American Jews and to unite African American and Jewish American San Diegans through a common love of food, film, music and art

We created and host an annual Jewish solidarity tent at the annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival in Memorial Park in San Diego. As several thousand people wander the grounds, we joyfully and proudly share about the shared legacies between the African and Jewish communities in America. Our living, portable civil rights alliance museum brings alive the history and presents the ability to carry the unity forward. Jewish organizations such as ADL San Diego and Lawrence Family JCC have joined us as well as members of local synagogues. Members of Temple Emanu-El of San Diego, where Playing Together Project was birthed, as well as members from Beth Shalom in Chula Vista and Tifereth Israel in San Diego help welcome visitors, educate and inform (as wll as hand out water on that HOT summer day!).

Playing Together Project and its bridgebuilding activities are rooted in a commitment to fight both antisemitism and racism, because Jewish American and African Americans have shared legacies of oppression, discrimination and a fight for justice, equality and self-determination. We fight by building bridges because we must keep moving forward together. We are stronger together.

Our central activity is hosting African-Jewish Shabbat gatherings. Breaking bread together build bridges. We follow the basic shabbat liturgy, with Kiddush, HaMotzi, davening (prayer), song and explanation about the meaning of Shabbat.

Sometimes we watch films such as the Mel Brooks/Richard Pror collabration “Blazing Saddles” and discuss it. At other times we have game and discussions.

African American/Black Jews are centered nad given voice at Playng Together Project. Diversity is increasing in American Jjudaism and we all have the right to feel a deep sene of belonging. We are all one mispacha (family)

Playing Together Project was founded by an African American Jewish woman leader with years of global experience in corporate, organizational, small group and individual leadership and education. Two African American Jewish, one Askenazi Jewish woman and one Afro-Latina Jewish woman carry forth the work with a spiritual sense of purpose and a multitide of diverse skills and experience.

We train and support the Jewish community and allies to build compassion, understanding and bridges between the African American and Jewish American communities..

When we educate through workshops and seminars, we provide an authentic approach to diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure inclusive spaces for all with Jewish and African heritage. As the Sage, Rabbi Hillel said,

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”

The table is open for all.