Oct 26th: Ma’asehyahu Isra-Ul, Ed.D—The Jews of Sub-Saharan Africa

Dr. Ma’asehyahu Isra-Ul, founder of the Black Judaic Heritage Center, has spent over 30 years documenting Jewish traditions in Africa. This presentation explores African Jewish communities—from Ethiopia to Uganda and Nigeria—highlighting their resilience, rituals, and contributions to global Jewry. Artifacts include a West African Jewish Siddur, handcrafted garments and kippot, a synagogue photo, and children’s books on Jews of Color.

Nov 9th: Rabbi Shlomo Pereira, PhD—Expulsion of Jews from Portugal 1497

R. Shlomo Pereira, rabbi and historian, has authored several works on Portuguese Jewish history. This presentation explores the 1496/97 expulsion of Jews from Portugal, its unique impact, and the lasting effects on Jewish communities across Europe, the Ottoman Empire, Israel, and the Americas. Attendees will gain insight into the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped this pivotal moment in Jewish history.

Dec 7th: Sam Richardson, PhD—The Conversos Jews Of Mexico

Sam Richardson, M.Div., Ph.D., a traditional Jewish sociologist and director of the JCRC for the Richmond Federation, discovered his Mexican Converso ancestry in his late 20s. Explore with him the Conversos of Mexico—their origins, secret lives at home, public identities, and enduring legacy across centuries.

Jan 11th: Ira Korshin & Friends—Jews of Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Ira, a Richmond resident who came to the U.S. from the Former Soviet Union as a child, shares stories, traditions, and flavors from Jewish communities across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This program celebrates resilience, identity, and the rich tapestry of Soviet Jewry—from Ukraine and Russia to Georgia, Uzbekistan, and beyond—connecting generations in Richmond and the global Jewish community.