Rabbi Gershom Sizomu
Spring 2010 Speaking Tour

Be’chol Lashon is delighted to bring Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the leader of the Abayudaya Jews of Uganda, back to the United States for a spring 2010 speaking tour. This is a wonderful opportunity for your community to learn more about him, the Abayudaya Jews of Uganda, and about global Jewry in general.

A charismatic leader and accomplished musician, Rabbi Sizomu (full bio) is the first black rabbi from sub-Saharan Africa to be ordained at an American rabbinic school. The many topics that Rabbi Sizomu can discuss include:

• The unique history of his community. The Abayudaya began their journey to Judaism under the leadership of Semei Kakungulu, a great warrior who was to be a Christian missionary for the British.

• Music and worship. After Ugandan dictator Idi Amin was overthrown and his ban on Judaism lifted in 1979, many Abayudaya youth returned to Judaism through new, inspiring melodies.

• Social justice projects. Life-saving medical and development services provided by the Ugandan Jews to their Christian and Muslim neighbors foster good will and cooperation.

• Religious education. After his ordination in 2008, Rabbi Sizomu returned to Uganda and established a yeshiva to train African rabbis to serve their ancient and emerging Jewish communities.

Rabbi Sizomu can lead a Shabbat service, D'var Torah, or Havdallah; address a classroom or school; show a slideshow of photos of life in Uganda; or give a concert.

He will be touring in May and June and can be booked for a single day or evening event on a weekday, or for a Rabbi-in-Residence weekend (which includes up to three events). The costs vary by engagement.

For more information, please e-mail speakers@bechollashon.org. Or call us at 415-386-2604.