ModernTribe to celebrate Jews of all colors on Sweet Auburn

It comes at a time when racial divisions, both at home and abroad in Israel, have sparked protests for social justice

A family reunion with roots dating back to biblical antiquity will take place this Sunday when Auburn Avenue retailer ModernTribe plays host to a celebration of racial diversity within the Jewish heritage. 
?
?The event, Twelve Tribes at ModernTribe, “will bridge the gap” between Jewish communities of different ethnicities, including those of Ethiopian and European descent, says Jennie Rivlin Roberts, who owns the shop that specializes in Judaica gifts.
?
?It comes at a time when racial divisions, both at home and abroad in Israel, have sparked protests for social justice.
?
?The event came about as a result of a chance meeting Rivlin had with Norvin Bey Israel when he came to the shop after eating across the street at Mangos Caribbean Restaurant. 
?
?“We started talking, and it turned out he knows more Hebrew than I do,” Roberts told the Atlanta Jewish Times this week. Israel, a Jew of Ethiopian descent was born to parents who were members of Harlem, New York’s Moorish Zionist Temple.
?
?A press release for the event provides an abridged history lesson on the ethnic diversity of Judaism:
?
??? According to biblical tradition, Jacob’s sons and grandsons lead the Twelve Tribes of Israel and each tribe was allotted territory in the promised land. Ruled under King David and then Solomon, after King Solomon died, the land was split into two kingdoms: Judah to the south and Israel to the north. Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in the 8th century B.C.E. and most Israelites were killed or exiled resulting in the Ten Lost Tribes. Much is unknown and speculated about the fate of these peoples and there is much mystery, mystique and intrigue surrounding them. Today, there are many groups in Africa, Asia and throughout the world who claim connection to the lost tribes. Thus, “Twelve Tribes” has come to represent the diversity - both confirmed and suspected - of the Jewish people today.
?
??Though it was already planned, the event will coincidentally come just days after Confederate flags were covertly left on the grounds of historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, just blocks away from ModernTribe on Auburn Avenue. Considering the country’s current racial climate, Rivlin believes it’s the perfect time to highlight the ties that cross ethnic boundaries. The event also underscores ongoing protests Ethiopian Jews have been waging in Israel to condemn institutional racism in the Jewish homeland.
?
?“Our Auburn Avenue retail location has opened my eyes to the diversity of the Jewish people and practices,” says Rivlin, who permanently opened her shop in the historically black neighborhood last year after taking part in the pop-up retail program sponsored by Central Atlanta Progress. The event also happens to come at a time when “I’m excited about hosting an event that illustrates and celebrates that Jews come in all colors and are found across the world.”
?
?They expect more than 100 people of from different cultural communities within the Jewish faith to come to Sunday’s event for music and art. Both Norvin Bey Israel and Rabbi Efraim Davidson will conduct lessons on the diverse cultural history of Judaism. Participating artists will include Atlanta-based Lynette Joel, who will exhibit her Twelve Tribes paintings, and Atlanta rapper Prodezra Beats, who will perform spiritual hip-hop. The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival is hosting will also be spinning diverse Jewish music in between sets. The event is free and open to the public.
?
?Twelve Tribes at ModernTribe. Free. Sun., Aug. 2. 171 Auburn Ave. For more info and to RSVP, visit ModernTribe’s Facebook page.