By Tehila Reuben, Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami’s Deputy Director

December 17, 2024: Four representatives, eight suitcases, we begin our journey to Uganda for the first Abayudaya Youth Association (NOAM Uganda) Convention since 2020.

Some background: Masorti Olami, the umbrella organization bringing together over 140 Masorti/Conservative communities across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America, supports and strengthens the nine Masorti/Conservative communities across Uganda and Kenya: Nabugoye, Nasenyi, Namanyonyi, Namutumba I (Kfar Rishon), Namutumba II (Jewish Community of Namutumba), Nalubembe, Apaac, Buseta, Tikvat Israel Congregation Kampala and Kehillat Ol-Kalou Kenya. They serve over 3,500 Jews across the two countries, including a Marom Center in Kampala for young adults, and the Ugandan NOAM Olami chapter, Abayudaya Youth Association (AYA).

Through a complete partnership with Chief Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the board of the Abayudaya communities and the spiritual leaders from the other communities, Masorti Olami works on gaining a deeper understanding of the unique needs of the communities, with a focus on strengthening their Jewish identity and training the future leaders of Abayudaya.

For the past 5 years, we have been working very closely with AYA Past President, Gillah Namulondo on organizing local youth activities and shabbatons in each of the communities. Current NOAM Olami Director, Shoshi Bassan, worked with Gillah and Natan Kintu (former VP of AYA) on bringing back their AYA convention, and building a program that reflected the theme of this years’ convention: “Our Roots and Responsibilities, Empowering the Next Generation”.

The convention, which also included the election and installation of the new AYA cabinet, was to bring together over 120 youth from across Uganda and Kenya. As the planning developed, we approached NOAM Israel, with whom we have a long-time partnership of sending NOAM Israel “shlichonim” (emissaries) to NOAM Olami activities/camps, bringing Jewish and Zionist programming to the field, learning from each other on how to work together as a youth network. We shared our interest in sending shlichonim to the AYA convention to help run the activities on the ground.

December 17, 2024: Our three incredible shlichoniot from NOAM Israel: Shaiya Rubin, Zohar Lev and Libi Silver, arrive at the airport where I’m already waiting to meet them with the four suitcases I packed full of basic, and not-so-basic supplies for the convention; three shchita (slaughtering) knives; hannukiot and candles that were donated by the Modi’in community; hanukkah [chocolate] gelt; talitot; kippot; eight bottles of kosher wine; flags and posters of the hostages that still remain in Gaza; basic English-Hebrew workbooks, ritual objects for our communities, and so much more (not to mention the instant soups, tuna, protein bars, snacks, malaria pills and proof of vaccines that we all needed to pack). After saying goodbye to their excited (and nervous?) parents, we were off.

Twenty-seven hours, two flights, a six-hour layover in Addis Ababa, a nine-hour drive full of “jams” due to poor “roads” (if I can be so generous to call them that), a quick lunch break near the Nile river, “boda boda” (motorcycle taxi) drivers driving whatever way they see fit, and cows crossing; we arrive to Mbale, Uganda.

The convention has begun. Our incredible driver throughout the week, Julius (nicknamed “King Julius”) picked us up in Mbale City and brought us to Nabugoye Village, where we were greeted with such warmth, albeit slight shock as to who these four visiting “muzungus” (I’ll let you look that up…) were and what they are doing here. Gillah and the other organizers immediately welcomed all of us and shared with the group why we came all this way to help lead the convention. We started off by introducing ourselves and our roles, bringing both the Israel and leadership aspects, as well as the importance and strength in being part of a global movement.

The first day focused on learning about how to live as a community, its importance and necessity, and how we treat each other, especially those who think differently to us. We were also introduced to the candidates running for the different positions in the new AYA cabinet, and we heard from each of them about their vision and goals for the youth.

In the afternoon, after a delicious local lunch, Shaiya, Zohar and Libi led an extremely successful and informative activity on the map of Israel, touching on the basics of the geography as well as navigating more complicated discussions on the current war and political situation. It was truly amazing to walk around and hear the variety of questions asked, ranging from “can you eat the snow on Mount Hermon?” to “do you mop your floor in Israel?” to “what started the war between Palestine and Israel?”. I have to say that our three shlichoniot handled each group and question flawlessly, and even managed to teach the youngest group some Hebrew words! The rest of the day included an Israeli dance party, where we made the mistake of only bringing 50 NOAM Olami hats for 100+ youth (=CHAOS); Mincha services led by the youth, and a lovely locally cooked dinner (see lunch, above).

Friday’s activities started bright and early with Shacharit service led by the youth, where the shlichoniot quickly learned about this concept I had been sharing with them called “Africa Time” - the concept that a confirmed set time is simply just a suggestion, and in no way going to reflect the actual structure of the day. Keeping this new concept in mind, the morning was spent shmoozing and preparing for the cabinet elections. AYA members were called in one by one to cast their vote in a private room, including our shlichoniot!

As voting was taking place, I had the privilege to help facilitate a meeting of the Rabbinic Union of the Abayudaya Communities, both Masorti/Conservative and Orthodox, which was organized by Rabbi Gershom. At the occasion I heard from Chairman of the Board, Saul Kirya (Nasenyi), Rabbi Enosh Mainah (Putti), Rabbi Moshe Madoi (Nasenyi), Rabbi Elisha Higenyi  (KKSY), Rabbi Eria Muyamba (Namanyonyi), Secretary Avraham Hirya (Namanyonyi), Yosef Kalema (Namutumba II), Treasurer Suzan Nakumiza (Namatumba II), Seth Jonadav (Gabbi, Nabugoye and head teacher for SK Jewish High School), and Rabbi Gershom Sizomu (Nabugoye). They each shared background about their community and the different projects taking place, and I shared that one of the main goals of this visit on behalf of Masorti Olami, aside from the AYA convention, is to learn. Learn more about each individual community, its structure, challenges, projects and successes, so we can properly support them. I made it clear that Masorti Olami is here to help support the communities, but not decide for them where that support should go. The work we now have is to see how we can support the outlined priorities which include education, rabbinic support, and youth training. At the end, we distributed the different ritual items we brought from Masorti Olami and donations raised from different communities in Israel.

Before beginning preparation for Shabbat, we gathered outside for the election results, announcing the new President, Natan Kintu, along with 12 other members of cabinet, as the shlichoniot handed each of them their new NOAM Olami shirts.

Shaiya Rubin shared with us that “This trip to Uganda was much more than I could have ever imagined. To be in such a foreign place and still feel at home, to meet people who share the same destiny as me even though our lives are so different. And to be in a place you can't help but fall in love with. There is no doubt that my journey in Africa and with the Abayudaya has only just begun."

During Shabbat preparations, the four of us had the fascinating opportunity to visit Namanyonyi, another community in the area, where we met with the elders, including the descendants of the first Chief Rabbi of the Abayudaya, Samson Mugombe z”l, and heard about the history and structure of the community.

Kilos of ‘matoke’ (baked, mashed plantain/green banana), chapati, spinach, cabbage, challah, goat and chicken (see shchita knives above) were prepared for Shabbat. Two other guests joined us on Shabbat: Danya Meirovich from Modi’in who had been volunteering at the Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center for the past few weeks, and Masorti Olami Board Member, Hazzan Mike Stein from LA, who has been involved in supporting the Abayudaya for decades. All around, an extremely warm and welcoming environment to bring in Shabbat – it felt like home.

Kabbalat Shabbat, led by Rabbi Gershom and Hazzan Stein, together with the Youth, was very memorable. The mix between the familiar tunes and the community’s local adaptations made for an incredibly beautiful and inspirational service, followed by dinner and an early night. To me, I will always be in awe of how you can travel to one of the most remote Jewish communities, and still feel at home, simply because we have the same practices.

Similar to Friday night, services on Shabbat morning was an uplifting experience. Rabbi Gershom shared inspiring words about the role of youth today in our communities, and invited me to speak about Masorti Olami, our work around the world, and the strength in being part of a global movement. The afternoon was jam packed with a local walking tour of the village and school, followed by programming led by our talented shlichoniot who ran group activities, teaching Hebrew and showing them how to work together as a team to accomplish their task. Havdalah, led by the youth, was a meaningful way to end the Shabbat, and enter into the night’s activity of making bracelets to remember and honor the hostages still being held captive in Gaza.

The final day focused on the installation of the new cabinet and reflecting on the weekend. The new members were sworn in and blessed by Rabbi Gershom and participated in the traditional NOAM shirt ceremony where the shlichoniot gave them white string for their new shirts, representing becoming a madrich, a leader in NOAM. Convention wrapped up with pictures, distributing the donations and gifts we brought for the communities, tree planting, symbolizing a new start, and goodbyes.

Something that I’ve noticed over this weekend was that some of the best bonding and learning happens when you completely ignore the planned schedule and let nature take its course (the hidden beauty of “Africa Time”). For me, Shabbat day was one of the most fulfilling and inspiring days, and it was also the day that we barely stuck to the schedule. It was filled with programming that the shlichoniot adapted that were wildly successful and impactful. A group of over 20 of us went on a walking tour for over an hour. In that time alone, I learned more about some of the young people than I had the entire weekend. This is how connections are made, and communities are built.

Libi shared her moving impressions about her experience in Uganda: “This incredible and insane experience affected me a lot. Discovering a culture that is so different from mine, but also the same as mine, is something that doesn't happen often. On the one hand, every moment I was there I pinched myself and said in my heart, I can't believe where I am, but it was also so easy to understand that they were just like me, Jews, and many Masorti/Conservative Jews like me. They pray the same way I know to pray; they care about Israel as much as I do, and I even felt a stronger connection with them than anywhere else I had the opportunity to visit in the world. I went in without really knowing what to expect and throughout the whole trip, I was only pleasantly surprised. The people there are really so incredible, warm and accepting and I enjoyed every moment. There is no doubt that I will return with the knowledge that I now have a home in a place I never thought of before, and every Jew who comes to this part of the world can feel that way too.”

Sunday late afternoon we finally had the opportunity to see Mbale city, when Danya and Shoshana Nambozo welcomed us to the Shifrah and Puah Maternity Center and gave us a tour of the facilities where they offer free services to women from all the surrounding villages, both Jewish and not. Danya then graciously took us around to some of her favorite spots she discovered in the city, followed by a lovely dinner out on the town. Muzungus out on the town – there’s something very special and authentic-feeling about it.

On Monday, the last day we spent together, we went on one of the most breathtaking hikes to Sipi Falls, followed by a local coffee tour where we peeled, roasted, grinded and drank our own Ugandan coffee.

Zohar shared “The experience as a shlichon was a taste of another culture, a week of “Africa Time”, with the charm of the people and nature in Nabugoye. It was an honor to represent NOAM and give the AYA youth a taste of Israel and NOAM Olami”.

While Shaiya, Zohar and Libi left the next morning, I was fortunate to stay another day and visit five other Abayudaya communities. This was Masorti Olami’s first time visiting them, and it was extremely important for us to show that despite the distance and isolation, they are part of the network, and we are committed to learning about each and every one of them and their needs. We were escorted by Chairman Saul Kirya to Namutumba II, Nalubembe, Nasenyi, Putti and KKSY. It was one of the most important days for Masorti Olami. We sat with each community, meeting their leaders and members, hearing their histories, learning about their specific needs, and building [deeper] connections. It was an incredibly special feeling and opportunity to travel hours from where we were staying, on roads that were barely drivable (according to muzungu standards), to visit these more isolated communities and see how their dedication, commitment and passion are as strong as ever.

It’s nearly impossible to transmit what it’s like to visit the Abayudaya communities in a written report. My hope is that I have at least painted a picture for you of what Jewish life is like in Uganda.

Something that I have found most encouraging and inspiring about visiting our communities around the world is that no matter where you are, be it Berlin, Colombia, Porto Alegre, Kyiv, Nice, Johannesburg or Mbale, you feel at home. You feel a part of something much bigger than just a synagogue. This is what I felt in Uganda. Our backgrounds and cultures could not be more unalike. But yet, we have mutual respect and appreciation. How special is it that the four of us traveled 24+ hours from Israel to one of our more remote communities and left with such a heavy heart because we wanted more. This is connection. This is why I’m attempting to share our experience with you on paper – in the hopes that you will be inspired and touched and visit our Abayudaya communities. We came with the intention to learn, teach and inspire - but I feel like we are going back more inspired and motivated than before.

Help us continue to inspire and be inspired by supporting our efforts with our Abayudaya communities across Uganda and Kenya.

A final word to thank all the donors and supporters, on behalf of Masorti Olami, who helped make this trip possible. I feel a big shout out is needed to the Masorti Movement in Israel, NOAM Israel and the parents for producing such incredible leaders in Shaiya, Zohar and Libi, who without them, the conference would not have been possible. This partnership has proven to be crucial for our work towards strengthening our global movement, and it was truly an honor and a privilege to see them in action.