[HANASHIR:16412] RE: Abayudaya

[Noamkatz <Noamkatz...>]

Shalom chevrei,

I hope you all are having mild winters and sweet new (secular) years.  I 
couldn't resist responding to some of your messages about the Abayudaya Jewish 
community of Uganda...I have been volunteering with the community for the past 
month, and will be here until late February.  Specifically, I am teaching 
English, Hebrew, Judaics, and computer skills at the two community schools (the 
only "Jewish" schools that I know of in all of east Africa), doing some 
community organizational work, and of course, learning the fabulous music of 
the Abayudaya.  It is a synthesis of Hebrew, English, and Luganda (one of their 
native dialects), relying heavily on intoxicating African rhythms and 
harmonies.  I am trying to record as much of their music as possible (African 
Jews singing "Maoz Tzur" during Chanukah was a special treat), as well as a 
wealth of photographs and stories.

If anyone is interested in me visiting your community/congregation after I 
return to do a multimedia presentation or concert about the Abayudaya, feel 
free to contact me via email.  

Mirembe (peace) to all,
Noam Katz

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