The Abayudaya Jewish Communities of Uganda

Presented by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Join us for a captivating evening celebrating the Abayudaya Jewish community of Uganda through the lens of photographer and filmmaker Peter Decherney. This program will feature an exhibition of Decherney’s stunning portraits and films, followed by an engaging panel discussion on the Abayudaya’s rich history, religious practices, and vibrant culture.

 Through Decherney’s work, we’ll explore what it means to be both African and Jewish, and how the Abayudaya connect to Jewish communities in the United States, Israel, and the growing Jewish networks across Africa. Highlights include portraits of Uganda’s first woman rabbi, the first Ugandan to gain Israeli citizenship, and the first Abayudaya doctor. Decherney’s films bring to life stories like that of Grammy-nominated singer Rachel Namadosi and the cave synagogue where the community prayed in secret during Idi Amin’s oppressive regime in the 1970s.

About the Abayudaya Community:
Founded in 1919 by a local leader who embraced Judaism, Uganda’s Abayudaya community has grown into a thriving network of over 7,000 members across Eastern Uganda. They maintain a rich tapestry of Jewish traditions, blending Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform practices while contributing to the global Jewish story.

Special Guests:

• Peter Decherney: Photographer, Filmmaker, and Director of the Global Documentary Institute at the University of Pennsylvania
• Sara Byala: Historian, Producer, and expert on African culture and Jewish history
• Rabbi Shoshana Nambi: The first Ugandan woman to be ordained as a rabbi
• Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky: Moderator
   

Featured Films:

• The Cave Synagogue: Follow Abayudaya elder J.J. Keki and his sons as they hike to the historic cave where Jews prayed in secrecy during Idi Amin’s rule.
• Days Between Rest: A heartfelt portrait of a Ugandan Jewish woman whose music and spirituality anchor her life amidst the community’s evolving traditions.