Hindy Schachter, a professor of management at New Jersey Institute of Technology and faculty affiliate of the Leir Institute for Research in Business, Technology and Society has had a 10 year affiliation with Sephardic Jews of Uganda helping to administer medical issues and writing articles for the organization’s website.
Why would an Ashkenazic born Jew based in North America become involved in helping a Jewish community in Uganda? The impetus comes from a strong belief that Judaism flourishes best when it is open to admitting new people and new customs that accord with Torah and halacha. Biblical era Judaism flourished with the addition of a Moabite, Ruth, and her descendent King David. Judaism in the era of the Mishneh and Gemara flourished with the addition of scholarly converts such as Shemayah and Avtalyon, president and chief judge of the Sanhedrin, Judaism’s highest court at the time. Modern Judaism too will flourish best when Jews from many backgrounds join hands and work to help each other grow. It is a pleasure to see the current physical and spiritual growth in the Ugandan Jewish community.