Rabbi Donna Cephas

Donna Cephas is a rabbinical student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. In 2008, she earned a master’s degree in Jewish education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Since 2009, she has chronicled the personal narratives of a cross-section of non-Jewish adults committed to raising Jewish children, and teaches workshops on developing and using personal narratives. At Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City, she helped develop and co-facilitate a learning and support group for non-Jewish adults raising Jewish children. Currently, she is president of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, a nationwide network of Muslim and Jewish women dedicated to fostering relationships, interfaith learning and social-justice initiatives. Donna was born and raised in New York City, where she lives with her husband, Derrick, and their children.

Essays

children and adults, including one playing accordian

Racism in the Jewish Community

March 7, 2018

Co-written by Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Donna Cephas, this essay examines the assumption that all Jews are white, while touching on a myriad of interrelated issues: conversion, interracial families, adoption, Ashkenazi privilege and political correctness.

Rabbi Donna Cephas

Essays

Racism in the Jewish Community

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