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Tema Smith is a diversity advocate, writer, and community builder.
Juneteenth 2021: How American Jews are reflecting on a year of racial reckoning — The Forward
American Jews reflect on racial justice during Juneteenth 2021.
Jun 17, 2021
Welcoming and Engaging Jews Of Color Webinar — JCRC of Greater Washington
Webinar on welcoming and engaging Jews of Color in the community.
Aug 24, 2020
A Plague of Our Own — #ForwardFocus: Talks in Trying Times
Panel conversation addressing challenges during difficult times.
Apr 7, 2020
Global Day of Jewish Learning — Limmud North America
Global Day of Jewish Learning event promoted by Limmud North America.
Nov 8, 2020
Racial Justice is a Jewish Issue — Jewish Democrats of America
Panel discussion on racial justice from a Jewish perspective.
Jun 9, 2020
The "I" Word: Intersectionality and the Jewish Community — AJC Global Forum
Intersectionality in the Jewish community discussed at AJC Global Forum.
Jun 1, 2019
Michael Twitty & Tema Smith: Not That Far Apart: Black and Jewish Identities in Intersection — The Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University
Exploring Black and Jewish identities through a panel conversation.
Mar 22, 2021
"What we talk about when we talk about Black/Jewish Relations: Past, Present and Future" — Drexel CNHP
Exploring Black/Jewish relations through a historical and contemporary lens.
Jan 22, 2021
7th Day of Passover
Passover invites personal reflection on freedom and collective responsibility.
Apr 25, 2011
Simchat Torah (Parashiyot V’zot ha’brachah/B’reishit)
Simchat Torah symbolizes renewal and continuity in Jewish tradition.
Oct 8, 2012
Acharei Mot
Exploring Holocaust memory through the lens of Parashat Acharei Mot.
Apr 30, 2016
A Bintel Brief, Episode 10: Heartbroken Bubbe
A grandmother fears her granddaughter may not embrace Jewish traditions.
Oct 7, 2021
Judaism Unbound Episode 284 - Jews in Pew’s…Studies
Tema Smith discusses Pew's 2020 study of Jewish Americans.
Jul 23, 2021
Drinking and Drashing: Torah with a Twist
A podcast episode discussing Torah insights with a unique twist.
May 25, 2021
Star Trek and the Jews
Exploring racial equality and identity through Star Trek's moral tales.
May 11, 2021
‘Tzedek, tzedek tirdof:’ The Derek Chauvin verdict isn’t justice, but it’s a start
The Chauvin verdict marks progress, not true justice for victims.
Apr 20, 2021
Engaging Interfaith Families during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
COVID-19 offers chances to engage interfaith families in Jewish communities.
Jun 8, 2020
Why will this time be different than all other times?
Racism's impact on family life and society is deeply felt.
Jun 1, 2020
‘Believe us’: Black Jews respond to the George Floyd protests, in their own words
Black Jews share their experiences amidst George Floyd protests and seek support.
May 31, 2020
After Corona: Fewer Barriers, More Intimacy
The lockdown fostered virtual connections and intimacy during celebrations.
May 24, 2020
Jews of Color deserve an accurate count
Jews of Color face misrepresentation in community demographics and inclusion.
May 19, 2020
When a new plague exacerbates the old
The coronavirus highlights modern plagues during Passover reflections.
Mar 31, 2020
How To Talk About Black Anti-Semitism
The Jewish community faces rising violence and anti-Semitism concerns.
Jan 9, 2020
Stop Blaming Women For The Bad Behavior Of Men Like Al Franken
The article critiques blaming women for men's sexual misconduct, exemplified by Al Franken.
Jul 23, 2019
Why Juneteenth – Which Marks The End Of Slavery – Should Be A Jewish Holiday
Juneteenth should be recognized as a Jewish holiday for freedom.
Jun 18, 2019
The Jewish Community Needs to Address Chronic Illness
The Jewish community must confront issues related to chronic illness.
May 14, 2019
Being a Jew of Colour: Finding Acceptance and Inclusion
Canadian Jews of colour struggle for acceptance in Jewish spaces.
Apr 24, 2019
Dear Adam Silver
A podcast exploring identity, race, and sports connections.
May 29, 2019
No End In Sight
Podcast episode discusses living with ankylosing spondylitis and healthcare.
Feb 28, 2019
I’m Black and Jewish. Ilhan Omar’s Tweet – And the Backlash – Are Tearing Me Apart
The backlash from Ilhan Omar's tweet highlights racial and anti-Semitic tensions.
Feb 12, 2019
Pull Quotes: An Existential Search for Jewish Media in Canada
The podcast discusses the decline of Jewish media in Canada.
Jan 24, 2019
Are Jews White? American History Says It’s Complicated
The author reflects on their complex racial identity as a Jewish person.
Jan 9, 2019
Roundtable | White Jews: Here is What Black Jews Need from You in 2019
Black Jews have diverse identities and experiences; recognition is essential.
Dec 28, 2018
What the Women’s March can learn from Marc Lamont Hill
Marc Lamont Hill’s UN speech raises questions for the Women’s March.
Dec 4, 2018
The Miracle of Community
The author feels connected to their community despite physical distance.
Nov 29, 2018
Three Things the Jewish Community Can Do Better, According to a Mixed-Race Jewish Professional
Tema Smith shares insights for improving the Jewish community's inclusivity.
May 23, 2025
Speak Us Into Life: A Tribute to Elie Wiesel
Reflecting on Elie Wiesel's profound impact and legacy after his death.
Jul 20, 2016
Celebrating Heroes During Black History Month
Honoring significant figures during Black History Month celebrations.
Feb 16, 2016
On Passing and Not Trying to Pass
The author embraces their dual identity as black and Jewish.
Jul 22, 2015
Exploiting the Holocaust has become all too acceptable in Canada
The Holocaust's memory is increasingly misused in Canada.
Mar 19, 2013
Pull Quotes: An Existential Search for Jewish Media in Canada
The podcast discusses the decline of Jewish media in Canada.
Jan 24, 2019
No End In Sight
Podcast episode discusses living with ankylosing spondylitis and healthcare.
Feb 28, 2019
Dear Adam Silver
A podcast exploring identity, race, and sports connections.
May 29, 2019
Star Trek and the Jews
Exploring racial equality and identity through Star Trek's moral tales.
May 11, 2021
Drinking and Drashing: Torah with a Twist
A podcast episode discussing Torah insights with a unique twist.
May 25, 2021
Judaism Unbound Episode 284 - Jews in Pew’s…Studies
Tema Smith discusses Pew's 2020 study of Jewish Americans.
Jul 23, 2021
A Bintel Brief, Episode 10: Heartbroken Bubbe
A grandmother fears her granddaughter may not embrace Jewish traditions.
Oct 7, 2021
On Passing and Not Trying to Pass
The author embraces their dual identity as black and Jewish.
Jul 22, 2015
The Miracle of Community
The author feels connected to their community despite physical distance.
Nov 29, 2018
Being a Jew of Colour: Finding Acceptance and Inclusion
Canadian Jews of colour struggle for acceptance in Jewish spaces.
Apr 24, 2019
The Jewish Community Needs to Address Chronic Illness
The Jewish community must confront issues related to chronic illness.
May 14, 2019
When a new plague exacerbates the old
The coronavirus highlights modern plagues during Passover reflections.
Mar 31, 2020
About Me
Tema Smith is a diversity advocate, writer, and community builder.
Exploiting the Holocaust has become all too acceptable in Canada
The Holocaust's memory is increasingly misused in Canada.
Mar 19, 2013
What the Women’s March can learn from Marc Lamont Hill
Marc Lamont Hill’s UN speech raises questions for the Women’s March.
Dec 4, 2018
Are Jews White? American History Says It’s Complicated
The author reflects on their complex racial identity as a Jewish person.
Jan 9, 2019
I’m Black and Jewish. Ilhan Omar’s Tweet – And the Backlash – Are Tearing Me Apart
The backlash from Ilhan Omar's tweet highlights racial and anti-Semitic tensions.
Feb 12, 2019
Why Juneteenth – Which Marks The End Of Slavery – Should Be A Jewish Holiday
Juneteenth should be recognized as a Jewish holiday for freedom.
Jun 18, 2019
Stop Blaming Women For The Bad Behavior Of Men Like Al Franken
The article critiques blaming women for men's sexual misconduct, exemplified by Al Franken.
Jul 23, 2019
How To Talk About Black Anti-Semitism
The Jewish community faces rising violence and anti-Semitism concerns.
Jan 9, 2020
Jews of Color deserve an accurate count
Jews of Color face misrepresentation in community demographics and inclusion.
May 19, 2020
Why will this time be different than all other times?
Racism's impact on family life and society is deeply felt.
Jun 1, 2020
‘Tzedek, tzedek tirdof:’ The Derek Chauvin verdict isn’t justice, but it’s a start
The Chauvin verdict marks progress, not true justice for victims.
Apr 20, 2021
Three Things the Jewish Community Can Do Better, According to a Mixed-Race Jewish Professional
Tema Smith shares insights for improving the Jewish community's inclusivity.
May 23, 2025
After Corona: Fewer Barriers, More Intimacy
The lockdown fostered virtual connections and intimacy during celebrations.
May 24, 2020
Engaging Interfaith Families during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
COVID-19 offers chances to engage interfaith families in Jewish communities.
Jun 8, 2020
Celebrating Heroes During Black History Month
Honoring significant figures during Black History Month celebrations.
Feb 16, 2016
Speak Us Into Life: A Tribute to Elie Wiesel
Reflecting on Elie Wiesel's profound impact and legacy after his death.
Jul 20, 2016
Roundtable | White Jews: Here is What Black Jews Need from You in 2019
Black Jews have diverse identities and experiences; recognition is essential.
Dec 28, 2018
‘Believe us’: Black Jews respond to the George Floyd protests, in their own words
Black Jews share their experiences amidst George Floyd protests and seek support.
May 31, 2020
Acharei Mot
Exploring Holocaust memory through the lens of Parashat Acharei Mot.
Apr 30, 2016
Simchat Torah (Parashiyot V’zot ha’brachah/B’reishit)
Simchat Torah symbolizes renewal and continuity in Jewish tradition.
Oct 8, 2012
7th Day of Passover
Passover invites personal reflection on freedom and collective responsibility.
Apr 25, 2011
Michael Twitty & Tema Smith: Not That Far Apart: Black and Jewish Identities in Intersection — The Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University
Exploring Black and Jewish identities through a panel conversation.
Mar 22, 2021
The "I" Word: Intersectionality and the Jewish Community — AJC Global Forum
Intersectionality in the Jewish community discussed at AJC Global Forum.
Jun 1, 2019
Racial Justice is a Jewish Issue — Jewish Democrats of America
Panel discussion on racial justice from a Jewish perspective.
Jun 9, 2020
A Plague of Our Own — #ForwardFocus: Talks in Trying Times
Panel conversation addressing challenges during difficult times.
Apr 7, 2020
Welcoming and Engaging Jews Of Color Webinar — JCRC of Greater Washington
Webinar on welcoming and engaging Jews of Color in the community.
Aug 24, 2020
Juneteenth 2021: How American Jews are reflecting on a year of racial reckoning — The Forward
American Jews reflect on racial justice during Juneteenth 2021.
Jun 17, 2021
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👋 Hi, I’m Emma - a passionate writer and avid reader. With a background in journalism, I love exploring different topics ranging from literature to lifestyle, from science to philosophy. In this blog, I aim to share my curiosity, learnings, and perspectives. Happy reading!
Manager of Membership and Communications, Congregation Darchei Noam
Education
Director of Community Engagement, Holy Blossom Temple
Previous Employer
Relational Engagement Think Tank
Conferences & Think Tanks
Director of Professional Development, 18Doors
Previous Employer
Project Coordinator, National Task Force for Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research
Previous Employer
BA (Honours), Trent University
Education
Graduate Studies, McMaster University Department of Religious Studies
Education
Visiting Graduate Student, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Education
Big Tent Judaism Professional Affiliates
Conferences & Think Tanks
Certificate in Interfaith Families Jewish Engagement, Hebrew College
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