Jessica Jantjies is a Cape Town-based writer exploring African Jewish identity through her own multi-layered heritage. As a colored South African with indigenous, African, and Jewish roots, she challenges narrow definitions of Jewish identity. Her journey includes discovering her family's Lemba heritage, navigating the complexities of South African racial categories, and advocating for more inclusive Jewish narratives.

As this chapter of my podcast journey comes to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to The CJN for the incredible opportunity to share these stories and conversations. With their support, I was able to highlight voices in our community that are not often heard. Thank you to my producer Michael Fraiman. Michael took a complete and sometimes challenging beginner and guided me on this journey. To my listeners—thank you for tuning in, sharing, and engaging in these discussions. Your support has meant everything.

But this isn't goodbye! Stay tuned for the next chapter of Rivkush, coming soon wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to continue this journey with you.

Until then, take care and keep the conversations going!

Even though Galeet Dardashti grew up in an Ashkenazi household, she knew she was different. Her family's culture, background and music didn't feel or sound like that of other Ashkenazi Jews. But it wasn't until she took a trip to Israel in college that she realized what it meant to be Mizrachi. Not only did she have roots in Iran, but her grandfather was the most famous Jewish singer in Iranian history, known as the "Nightingale of Iran".

That revelation led Dardashti, a singer and anthrolpologist, to learn more about Middle Eastern and North African Jewish culture. She became the first woman in her family to carry on a legacy of distinguished Persian musicianship, and created a six-episode documentary podcast with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and PRX about her grandfather's journey.

On today's episode of Rivkush, The CJN's podcast spotlighting noteworthy Jews of colour, Dardashti—who will be the artist-in-residence at Beth Tzedec in Toronto, hosting mulitple performances this month—emphasizes the need to recognize diversity within Jewish identities, especially in North America, where Ashkenazi culture often dominates the narrative.

Credits

• Host: Rivka Campbell
• Producer: Michael Fraiman
• Music: Westside Gravy

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