Shais Rishon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
MaNishtana
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| Born | Shais Rishon February 14, 1982 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
| Notable works | MaNishtana blog Ariel Samson, Freelance Rabbi |
| Spouse | Gulienne Rollins-Rishon |
| Children | 1 |
Shais Rishon is a well-known African-American Orthodox rabbi, activist, and writer. He is also known by his pen name, MaNishtana. He has written for several popular online magazines like Tablet, Kveller, and The Forward. He also wrote a novel based on his own life. In 2014, The Jewish Week newspaper recognized him as one of "36 Under 36," a list of important Jewish people under 36 years old.
Contents
About Shais Rishon
Early Life and Background
Shais Rishon was born on February 14, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in an Ashkenazi Jewish family. His family was connected to the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, a large group within Orthodox Judaism. Shais's mother's family has been Jewish since the 1780s. His father, Asher Rishon, became Jewish after meeting Shais's mother.
As he grew up, Shais sometimes felt like an outsider in the Jewish community. This was because of his race and how some other Jewish people treated him. He went to James Madison High School. Later, he studied English at Brooklyn College.
His Work as a Blogger and Activist
In 2009, Shais Rishon started writing a blog under the name MaNishtana. In his blog, he shares his experiences as both a Black person and a Jewish person. His writing often talks about racism within the Jewish community. He wants to make the Jewish community a more welcoming place for everyone.
Shais has also worked for Bend the Arc. This is a Jewish organization that works for social justice. He also served as a rabbi for Kehilat Ir Chadash. This was an Orthodox Jewish community in New City, New York.
Plans for a Community Center
In 2020, Shais Rishon and rapper Yitz Jordan announced an exciting plan. They wanted to create a Jewish Community Center especially for Jews of color. This center would be open to all Jewish people. However, it would focus on supporting Jews of color. The goal is to build stronger connections within the Jewish community. It also aims to connect Jews of color with other minority groups.
Shais Rishon's Books and Plays
His First Novel
Shais Rishon's first novel is called Ariel Samson, Freelance Rabbi. It was published in 2018. This book was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. The story is partly based on Shais's own life. He hoped the novel would help change old ideas about Jews of color. He also wanted it to create a special place for them in the wider Jewish community.
Other Creative Works
Shais has also written for other projects. He contributed to the Kveller Haggadah, a special book used during the Jewish holiday of Passover. In 2017, he also worked on The Jewish Plays Project. This project brings together different writers to create new plays.
In 2013, Shais Rishon wrote an open letter. This letter criticized a New York State Assemblyman named Dov Hikind. The assemblyman had worn blackface during a Purim celebration. Shais's letter explained why wearing blackface is hurtful and wrong.
Shais Rishon's Family Life
Shais Rishon is married to Gulienne Rollins-Rishon. She is also a Black Jewish person. She is a descendant of a famous rabbi named Yom-Tov Lipman Heller. Shais and Gulienne have a daughter. She was born in late 2013.
In June 2021, Shais Rishon shared publicly that he is autistic.
