iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Lol this year feels like the ending to LOTR: Return of the King. Hoshana Rabbah is here, so the Days of Judgment end...1/x

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Last week, my father died. A week ago yesterday, I arranged his funeral, officiated it, and buried him. I am *immensely* grateful to Chesed Shel Emet for their diligence in preparing my father's body and assisting in his burial plot. Tizku l'mitzvot. 1/x

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

What Jewish text do you wish you could see differently or had a fuller conversation around them? A classical Jewish text from an African American perspective? A perspective on race, gender, or orientation that rarely makes it into the main curriculum? Torah? Talmud? Midrash? Mussar? Chassidut?

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

What if I told you that the placement of the chapters and verses in the Torah were actually imposed by Christian clergy and only adopted by Jews to make reference easier for the public debates of theology that were rampant in the Middle Ages? 1/x

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

4 species. 1 mitzvah. The etrog, lulav, hadas & aravah are different, yet Sukkot commands us to bind them together. The lesson is Jewish community doesn't require us to be alike. At OEC, African-American Jews bring different gifts & journeys into one community. Help us grow it. venmo.com/u/oecdc

venmo.com

Venmo | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Use Venmo to connect with Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A (@oecdc) - Ohel Eidot Chemdata is a traditionalist modern Orthodox synagogue by and for African-American/Caribbean-American Jews.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

See you on the other side, old man. ברוך דיין האמת

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

G'mar chatimah tovah! Can you believe Yom Kippur is TONIGHT?? At Ohel Eidot Chemdata we're just $600 short of our YK goal. We're asking 10 people to consider giving $60 or even $36 to help us get through this last push before tonight! Can we count you in the "minyan"? venmo.com/u/oecdc

venmo.com

Venmo | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Use Venmo to connect with Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A (@oecdc) - Ohel Eidot Chemdata is a traditionalist modern Orthodox synagogue by and for African-American/Caribbean-American Jews.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Shanah tovah umetukah all! Started a synagogue in Washington DC and thankfully our Rosh Hashanah services went off beautifully and meaningfully! But the season is only just beginning at Ohel Eidot Chemdata! 1/x venmo.com/u/oecdc

venmo.com

Venmo | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Use Venmo to connect with Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A (@oecdc) - Ohel Eidot Chemdata is a traditionalist modern Orthodox synagogue by and for African-American/Caribbean-American Jews.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Black. Jewish. Both. What happens when an identity that people assume cannot exist is your lived reality? Souls of Black Jewish Folk explores the history, voices, faith, culture, and lived experiences of African American Jews—and the complicated, beautiful journey of belonging. 1/2

oheleidotchemdata.org

The Souls of Black Jewish Folk | Ohel Eidot Chemdata

What does it mean to be both fully Black and fully Jewish in America? In The Souls of Black Jewish Folk, MaNishtana (Rabbi Shais Rishon) takes up the mantle of W.E.B. Du Bois and re-examines the idea ...

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We're literally just FOUR people donating $36 away from today's goal of $360. It's close enough to be encouraging and far enough to be frustrating. We've had six others today so far. Feel like joining the "minyan"? We had awesome RH services and food. Just trying to keep it up: www.venmo.com/u/oecdc

venmo.com

Venmo | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Use Venmo to connect with Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A (@oecdc) - Ohel Eidot Chemdata is a traditionalist modern Orthodox synagogue by and for African-American/Caribbean-American Jews.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

There are questions I've been thinking about for a long time. Where are we as African American/Caribbean American Jews? What've we built? What are we building? What challenges are shaping our communities? What will our future look like? On Thurs I'm talking about it. www.ecfna.org/event-detail...

ecfna.org

The Black Jewish State of the Union | Eidot Chemdat

Where are WE? What are we building? What challenges US? And what does the future of Black Jewish life in America look like? A new conversation.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Shavua tov all! Elul is here, and the High Holidays are just 18 days away! We're raising our 5k goal now to prepare Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and to support our synagogue's ongoing work. 1/x

venmo.com

Venmo | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Use Venmo to connect with Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A (@oecdc) - Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A is a traditionalist modern Orthodox synagogue by and for African-American/Caribbean-American Jews.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

In the age of "alternative facts", "fake news", and AI, what exactly is Lifnei Iver (misleading the ignorant)? Join us Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs from 7-8pm as we discuss Kosher Speech. Register now and use code: MT5786 www.oheleidotchemdata.org/courses

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

See, there's a huge flaw in GOP/Trumpian logic trying to bring back Jim Crow and his pals from Dumbo (yes the head crow in Dumbo is literally named "Jim Crow") for Reconstruction 2: Electric Boogaloo: they fail to realize that we are not our ancestors. 1/x

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

What does Judaism say about Heaven? What does it say about Hell? Do we even *believe* in Hell? (Yes.) Do we believe Jesus is in Hell boiling in excrement? (Debatable. So let's debate about it.) Register for OECDC's Makhon Teshuvah Jewish Literacy Courses today! www.oheleidotchemdata.org/courses

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

It's Shabbat Chazaq! We're closing out the Book of Vayyiqra and heading into B'midbar next week, the book of flags and tribes. In that spirit, help us close out the very *last* $100 to hit our 18k first stretch goal before Shabbat rolls in! Shabbat shalom! gofund.me/5e3a70dd7

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

A "National Shabbat." Did we need a non-Jewish president to remind Jews that Shabbat exists? Shabbat is not his to give. Join us at OEC and be part of a Shabbat that doesn’t belong to any administration, any announcement, any moment—but to us. Always to us. www.oheleidotchemdata.org/events-1/sha...

oheleidotchemdata.org

Shabbat Rishon M'vorkhim | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Joining us for our first Shabbat! A delightfully soulful spiritual experience from the music and the inclusive services to the food and of course connection with OUR people. All are welcomed!

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

OEC DC is just $300 away from OUR goal!! With your support WE can achieve meeting our first fundraising goal! Here are four ways to contribute today: If you have yet to do so, consider donating today. We would be most grateful for your support!🤎 www.oheleidotchemdata.org/giving

oheleidotchemdata.org

GIVING | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Every contribution ensures you are counted amongst the blessings that flow inward from our extensive community outreach that pours outward. Every seed that is planted is nurtured with accountability, ...

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Today is the 14th of Iyar. Pesach Sheni. A 2nd chance. Chazal describe this day as a renewed illumination its light extending for 7 days. Tzedakah is a way into that current of merit, a way of stepping into the opening while it’s here. So come help OEC reach our 18k goal: gofund.me/0b65ba9d7

gofund.me

Donate to Ohel Eidot Chemdata: Founding DC’s 1st Black Jewish Shul, organized by Rabbi Shais Rishon

Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A is not simply another synagogue. Fou… Rabbi Shais Rishon needs your support for Ohel Eidot Chemdata: Founding DC’s 1st Black Jewish Shul

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

This one's for the ladies! Join Rebbetzin Tifarah as she spiritually dive deeps by exploring feminine energy, attraction principles, and gives you the tools for curating your definition of the soft life. www.oheleidotchemdata.org/events-1/rec...

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Y'all saw how our Pre-Pesach Luncheon got down 😉 Lag BaOmer doesn’t wait—and neither should you! Join us at Ohel Eidot Chemdata for a night that’s meant to be experienced together. Registration is open and spots are filling up! www.oheleidotchemdata.org/events-1/lag...

oheleidotchemdata.org

Lag B'Omer 5786 | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Join us on the 33rd day of counting the Omer for a soulful evening of reflection, connection, and renewal. As we transition from a quieter, more introspective period, we’ll gather in community to hono...

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Which fit should it be? Help me decide! If you can't make it, then help make it a more memorable service with your donation [gofund.me/5e3a70dd7]! #oheleidotchemdata #oecdc #jewsofcolor #africanamericanjews #eidotchemdata

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Chag kasher v'sameach! We're so close! www.gofundme.com/f/ohel-eidot... or www.venmo.com/u/oecdc if you prefer.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

We're less than $5300 away from our first stretch goal of 18k. That's only 53 people donating just $100. Help us reach it before Pesach! Thanks so much, and link below. Chag sameach! gofund.me/00e5020db

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

There are moments when a community feels less like an idea and more like a tangible presence. And yesterday was one of those moments. Thanks to everyone who came out for our Pre-Pesach Luncheon, our first event btw Ohel Eidot Chemdata & rabbi dr. koach frazier/Kehillat Sankofa 1/x

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Hey all! With Pesach just around the corner it's as good a time as any to amplify this ask. We're so close to our first goal! Help us get the rest of the way there and share with your networks too! Shabbat shalom!: gofund.me/5badfdb92

gofund.me

Donate to Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A: Founding DC’s 1st Black Jewish Shul, organized by Rabbi Shais Rishon

Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A is not simply another synagogue. Fou… Rabbi Shais Rishon needs your support for Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A: Founding DC’s 1st Black Jewish Shul

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Anxious about the Seder? Don't be! Join me (Ohel Eidot Chemdat"a) and rabbi dr. koach frazier (Kehillat Sankofa) for an afternoon of sacred connection & discussion exploring all elements of the Seder. Tickets are limited, so register now! Like, right now! www.oheleidotchemdata.org/events-1/pre...

oheleidotchemdata.org

Pre-Pesach 5786 | Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

Feeling anxious, confused, or simply have questions about Pesach: its meaning, the sedar components, and its relevancy to the modern day Jewish & Black American experience. Grab a friend and your Hagg...

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

For anyone who missed. Be sure to join us tomorrow night for Episode 2! www.youtube.com/live/w_yxzGc...

youtube.com

Pesach Prep: Episode One

YouTube video by Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Now available [autographed!] on the OEC website (www.oheleidotchemdata.org/product-page...). Sign up for our newsletter! Join us this Sunday @7pmEST for the 1st of a 5-part Pesach Prep series on both our YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/channel/UChL...) & over at the OEC website! Shabbat shalom!

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

We sent an email on Feb 9th regarding the possibility of marking Black History Month with a screening of the PBS documentary Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History, followed by a book talk of The Souls of Black Jewish Folk, continuing the conversation. 1/x

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Thanks to all who have contributed so far! We're 23% funded so far, and only $1,383 away from our next milestone goal of $5,400! Feel free to donate if you haven't already, or share with your networks if you have! We're looking forward to seeing you all on the 20th! gofund.me/2e6bc9008

gofund.me

Donate to Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A: Founding DC’s 1st Black Jewish Shul, organized by Rabbi Shais Rishon

Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A is not simply another synagogue. Fou… Rabbi Shais Rishon needs your support for Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A: Founding DC’s 1st Black Jewish Shul

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Mishloach manot swag. I've been hearing about these things for literal decades. I had one today for the first time in my life. Verdict? Edmund, you are a trifling little jive trollop.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Everyone's well familiar with the injunction in Megillah 7b requiring intoxicating oneself on Purim until the phrases "cursed be Haman" and "blessed be Mordechai" are indistinguishable. But seeing how drunkenness of frequently rebuked in our tradition, that can't possibly be the literal take. 1/x

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

"The Souls of Black Jewish Folk" here (www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ9P365S) Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A article here (religionnews.com/2026/02/25/t...) OEC here (www.oheleidotchemdata.org) or Crowdfund here (gofund.me/5badfdb92) Shabbat Shalom gang! #BlackandJewishAmerica #InterwovenHistoryPBS

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

It's been 8 yrs "Ariel Samson: Freelance Rabbi," my 1st novel. Now I'm back with "The Souls of Black Jewish Folk," my 1st "serious" sociological work about African-American Jewry. Hoping you all enjoy it, especially anyone who's discovered me from the PBS documentary. www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ9P365S

amazon.com

The Souls of Black Jewish Folk

The Souls of Black Jewish Folk [MaNishtana] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Souls of Black Jewish Folk

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Such an honor to be covered in this article with Rabbi Dr Koach Baruch Frazier and Kehillat Sankofa! Check out the full article here (religionnews.com/2026/02/25/t...) 1/2

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Don't worry gang. I'm waiting for the link to drop just as much as you are...lol

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

We've made it! Tonight is the last two episodes of hashtag #BlackandJewishAmerica hashtag #InterwovenHistoryPBS! Thanks so much for coming along for the rise and hoping to tonight on PBS.org. 1/2

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Alright, some of you said you wanted to donate but were unsure how to. Others wanted to know what we're planning. Yet others were interested in donating but don't have a Venmo. Hopefully this satisfies all the asks, and clarifies more of our plans. Click through to find out more! gofund.me/5badfdb92

gofund.me

Donate to Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A: Founding DC’s 1st Black Jewish Shul, organized by Rabbi Shais Rishon

Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A is not simply another synagogue. Fou… Rabbi Shais Rishon needs your support for Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT"A: Founding DC’s 1st Black Jewish Shul

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

If you tuned in to #BlackandJewishAmerica #InterwovenHistoryPBS last week, thanks so much! Hoping to see you for the rest, starting tonight on PBS.org. If you're interested in more, check out a historic African American synagogue first: www.oheleidotchemdata.org 1/2

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

If you tuned in to #BlackandJewishAmerica #InterwovenHistoryPBS, thanks so much! If youre interested in more, keep your eyes peeled for The Souls of Black Jewish Folk next week, or check out a historic first: www.oheleidotchemdata.org. Our first services are on Feb 27-28, Parashat Tetzaveh!

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

One hour countdown...Come join, and see you there at 9pm #BlackandJewishAmerica ##InterwovenHistoryPBS www.pbs.org/show/black-a...

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Can you really have a Black/Jewish seder without MaNishtana? Lol. Survey says...Stay tuned this Tuesday. And also later today for an announcement at 6:19. #BlackandJewishAmerica #InterwovenHistoryPBS

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

In June 2019 I presented at my first Limmud event. It wasn’t Limmud UK, Limmud NY, or Limmud Boston. Not yet. It was Limmud Oz in Sydney. The community I spent Shabbat with, stayed with, explored with, for the greater part of a week, was Bondi Beach. 1/x

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

I mean, there's only one real response to the ADL's "Mamdani Monitor". Anyhoo, Shabbat Shalom, and, as usual, the links: paypal.com/paypalme/MaNishtana venmo.com/u/MaNishtana www.patreon.com/rabbishaisri...

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Question: does anyone have a birth year for sephardic rabbi Rachmiel Ezra Travitz? It's for citation purposes.

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MaNishtana @manishtana.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

And now you know. Anyhoo, Shabbat Shalom, and, as usual, the links: paypal.com/paypalme/MaNishtana venmo.com/u/MaNishtana www.patreon.com/rabbishaisri...

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