Reuel-Azriel and His Take on Jewish Diversity and Inclusion

The author Reuel-Azriel is passionate about bringing diversity to Jewish literature and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish people. In his children’s book, “Moeshe Rue’s First Hanukkah”, he presents a unique perspective on the holiday by incorporating different Jewish ethnicities and highlighting the traditions and practices of Jews of color.

Reuel-Azriel is a Jewish writer and activist who was raised in both Tel Aviv and Brooklyn, New York, and was taught in a Hasidic family. As a child, he was always fascinated by Jewish traditions and folklore, and this interest has only grown over the years. He has made it his mission to explore and document the diverse Jewish cultures around the world, and share these stories with young readers through his books.

In “Moeshe Rue’s First Hanukkah”, Reuel-Azriel takes readers on a journey through the eight-day Festival of Lights, as Moeshe and his friends celebrate Hanukkah in their own unique way. The book is full of colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling that captures the spirit of the holiday and the joy of celebrating with loved ones.

What sets this book apart from other children’s books about Hanukkah is the focus on Jewish ethnicities of color. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to highlight the diversity within the Jewish community and give voice to those who have been historically marginalized. Reuel-Azriel’s book is a reflection of this movement, showcasing Jewish characters from different ethnic backgrounds, including Sephardic, Mizrahi, and African-American Jews.

Through Moeshe’s experiences, readers are introduced to various Hanukkah customs and traditions, such as lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, and eating latkes and sufganiyot. The book also explores the history behind these customs and their significance to different Jewish communities. For example, readers learn that Sephardic Jews traditionally eat a special Hanukkah dish called buñuelos, which are fried dough balls soaked in honey syrup. In contrast, Mizrahi Jews often serve sambusak, a savory pastry filled with spiced meat or cheese.