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CSUN’s Jewish Studies Program Presents Speaker on Jews in Uganda

The Abayudaya-”People of Judah” in Luganda, a language in Uganda-is a community of Jewish people from Uganda. Join Joab Jonadav Keki, or “JJ,” one of the leaders of the Abayudaya, as he speaks about the Jews in Uganda on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Cal State Northridge.

“Jews in Uganda: Celebration, Survival, and Sustainability,” an event organized by CSUN’s Jewish Studies Program, is scheduled to take place from 2 to 3:15 p.m. in the Flintridge Room of the University Student Union located on the east side of campus, at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

Keki is an experienced speaker and musical performer. He was leader of the Abayudaya youth movement in the ‘70s, chairperson of the Abayudaya community in the ‘90s and early this decade, and was elected chairperson of the sub county council for several years starting in 2002. He is also the founder and current leader of the Delicious Peace interfaith coffee co-op. He was honored with an award from Tuft’s University’s Leadership Institute for his work on the coffee co-op.

Keki has been recognized for his composing and singing skills and has been honored with a Grammy nomination in Traditional World Music. His award-winning work with the Delicious Peace interfaith coffee co-op has also been written up in O, The Oprah Magazine.

“This is a community that should be treasured for its commitment and passion,” said Jody Myers, professor and coordinator of CSUN’s Jewish Studies Program. “There have been many links between Jews living in Los Angeles and the Abayudaya and it has been a mutually enriching relationship.”

Also taking part in this event will be CSUN history professor Jeffrey Auerbach, author of “The Great Exhibition of 1851: A Nation on Display” and co-editor of “Britain, the Empire, and the World at the Great Exhibition of 1851.”

Music will be performed by Keki and Cantor Michael Stein of Temple Aliyah. Stein has performed in a Broadway musical, released an album entitled “Shabbat in Swing Time,” and has received acclaim for his innovative Shabbat services at Temple Aliyah.

The event is being co-sponsored by the CSUN History Department, CSUN’s College of Humanities, CSUN’s Distinguished Visiting Speaker’s Program, Temple Ramat Zion and Global Village Forum.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jewish Studies at (818) 677-4724 or jewish.studies@csun.edu.