A chance to explore American Jewish identity

PROVIDENCE – On July 22, professionals from across Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) offices in the State of Rhode Island joined the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island in welcoming Lizzie Pollock and Rabbi Elan Babchuck for a community conversation about Jewish identity and DEIB in the workplace.

Pollock and Babchuck presented a community discussion program titled “Exploring Jewish Identity in the Workplace” that combined their decades of experience as community organizers and leaders in Jewish spaces to address gaps in cultural competency around Jewish identity. It focused on harmful tropes and stereotypes throughout history that provide context for different avatars of antisemitism we can identify today. With specific, in-depth analyses of the role of social media, misinformation and historical prejudice, the program offered an understanding of antisemitism for the modern day.

In addition, Pollock used her experience as a partner at LEAD3R, a strategic HR consulting and executive search firm, to workshop everyday examples of cultural sensitivity to empower attendees to take action and speak up in the event of bias incidents toward Jewish colleagues, friends or even strangers. The workshop focused on the expansion of Jewish identity beyond its primarily religious categorization in America to include discussions of Jewish ethnic identity and culture. Additionally, the second half of the workshop focused on the virality of antisemitism, and provided helpful information about Jewish beliefs, holidays and customs to accentuate the importance of cultural sensitivity in the workplace.

The program was made possible by the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crime Program Grant through the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office.

In direct response to participant feedback, the Alliance is offering two follow-up programs in September. The first event is a workshop called “Israel and the American Jewish Experience” with Rabbi Josh Bolton, executive director of Brown RISD Hillel, on Sept. 23. The next event is an in-depth follow-up workshop with Lizzie Pollock, called “Supporting Jewish Employees in the Workplace,” on Sept. 30. A light lunch will be served at both events, and participants will be invited to join in mindful discussion about the rich complexities of Jewish identity and the American Jewish experience in 2024.

For more information, contact Stephanie Hague, chief policy officer, at shague@jewishallianceri.org.

EMMA NEWBERY is the policy and community engagement manager at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.