Native American issues

Artists, Authors, Activists, and More: Four Inspiring Indigenous Jewish Women

Crystal Hill
In honor of Native American heritage month, I’m excited to share with you four women whose intersecting Jewish and Indigenous identities have influenced their work as authors, artists, actors, activists, lawyers, and musicians. These women come from a wide array of ages, cultures, and locations; their work speaks to the ways that Jewish values of justice, learning, and belonging overlap with Indigenous culture.

Celebrating the Indigenous Community is a Year-Round Value

Israel Harris
One theme central to the month of Kislev is emerging from the struggle to survive. Jewish legend holds that it was in the month of Kislev that a rainbow appeared following the great flood in the time of Noah, that the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was built, and that the foundation stones of the Second Temple were laid.

A Native American Thanksgiving Message to the World

In the Mohawk language, "Thanksgiving Address" is translated as Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen, meaning "Words Before All Else" or "Words we say before we do anything important." It has been used for thousands of years by the Haudenosaunee (People of the Long House) as a spiritual address to the powers of the Natural World, expressing appreciation for all life forms, bringing the minds of people together as one mind, and aligning gathered minds with Nature.