My Mizrahi traditions are key to my Jewish identity.
鈥淢y family is Mizrahi, meaning my Jewish ancestors lived in Western Asia and North Africa. I can trace my roots back to Bukhara, Persia, and Yemen. As a Mizrahi Jew, I grew up with so many rich traditions. On Shabbat, we prayed with beautiful and unique melodies that made me feel connected to my community. On Passover, we hit each other with oversized scallions while singing 鈥楧ayenu,鈥 a song about miracles. Some believe this tradition reminds us of the miracle of being freed from the lash of oppression. My siblings and I would scream and laugh as scallions flew everywhere.
鈥淭raditions like these were always a part of my life. They continued to be a part of my life when I enrolled at Hunter College in Manhattan. But this was a big shift for me. For the first time, those around me were surprised to find out I was Jewish. I realized this was an opportunity to teach people that there鈥檚 no template for what a Jewish person looks like. After all, college campuses are the perfect places to learn.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I decided to become a Sephardi and Mizrahi Inclusion Board Member at Hunter Hillel. I鈥檓 actively involved in planning events that foster community and understanding, including a Purim event celebrating Persian Jews. My goal is to continue creating a space where Sephardi and Mizrahi students feel represented. Together, we鈥檙e celebrating our rich history and culture and learning to educate others about Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews.鈥 鈥 Asia Esther Akperov, Hunter College
As told to Alexandra Goldberg, writer for the 精东影业 Writers Program.