Reclaiming Identity
Bene Israel Proud: Gail, Sasha, Esther
Gail, Sasha, and Esther Joseph were all born in Mumbai to a family with ancient Jewish roots, better known as the Bene Israel community. Here they speak with Drora about their the importance of maintaining their Indian Jewish traditions while in small Jewish communities in the US and Mumbai.
Gail and Esther Joseph (sisters) were born and brought up in India. Both their parents were Indian Jews. They were raised in a traditional Indian Jewish home. The synagogue was close to home and they attended there Shabbat services every Friday.
Gail moved to the United States in 2015 and is currently working at a cancer research company in North Carolina. She got married in 2017 and the wedding was officiated by a Reformed Rabbi. Gail and her husband have a one-year-old who is being raised Jewish as well.
Esther resides in Mumbai and is currently setting up her Kosher Culinary business specializing in traditional Indian Jewish cuisines. She also wants to introduce Kosher food to the Non-Jewish community in India.
Sasha Joseph is Esther and Gail’s niece. Though the age gap between Sasha and Gail is just 5 years. Sasha is an Indian immigrant born in Mumbai, currently living in Oakland, California. She is all about creating radically welcoming spaces and has dedicated her professional life to promoting the diversity of Jewish life into every experience she creates.
Living as a Jewish immigrant in Oklahoma sparked her passion for social justice. She currently works with Dimensions Educational Consulting as their program coordinator for Jewish Women of color Resilience Circle.
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