Be’chol Lashon

The global nature of the Jewish diaspora combined with increasing rates of intermarriage has led to a more multicultural Jewish community, but without a corresponding change in
the culture of Jewish life. This has caused Jews of many backgrounds, and especially young adults, to feel at odds with a Jewish community that does not reflect the global community they desire. Be’chol Lashon, which means “in every tongue,” fills that void by partnering with Jewish organizations to engage ethnically and racially diverse Jews. Be’chol Lashon provides places where Jews from multicultural backgrounds feel a sense of belonging, while also advocating for the diversity that has characterized the Jewish people throughout history. 

One prominent program is the Be’chol Lashon Speakers Bureau, which books speaking engagements for artists, rabbis and scholars who have the power to change the way the Jewish community thinks about multicultural peoplehood. Be’chol Lashon also helps to create  lm, art and other media to in uence the community’s approach to diverse engagement. Collaborating with other Jewish organizations, Be’chol Lashon provides opportunities for diverse Jews to connect to mainstream Jewish life through holiday celebrations, discussion groups, cultural arts events, retreats and camps. 

Evaluators find Be’chol Lashon’s work incredibly compelling. They are drawn to the organization because it is the only national organization that partners with mainstream Jewish institutions and synagogues to provide programming that advocates for inclusiveness. One evaluator states, “The organization’s mission to strengthen and build diverse Jewish communities is  lling a huge gap that no other organization has touched and/or succeeded at.”