I'm a Rabbi and I'm Black

So very very inspiring. Thank you very much for that interview. The Rabbi's life story ilustrates well Hashem's care in every small detail, making what we see as bad an asset in every person leading us to cherish every life as extrordinary Reply

Makes me so happy to hear this! In school and at home I’m constantly hearing racist remarks about blacks, and when I point it out everyone just rolls their eyes. “I’m not being racist they say, it’s just the reality of who they are.” Bez”H this message should get the proper attention and respect it deserves in the frum world at large.
Thank you! Reply

Wow! I feel so humbled by this outstanding man and I find it amazing that despite his birth, he is what he is today! Reply

Very inspiring piece. Clearly, a "derhoibener mench"!
Perhaps, though, the Rabbi would make peace with the different parts of himself if he did keep a connection with Robert? Maybe this is something he could discuss with his adopted father and a therapist together?
After all, Hashem chose Robert to be his birth father and Robert's bad deeds, while they did hurt his mother, also caterpaulted the Rabbi and his mother to a Torah life. Right?
Had Robert been a pattern-card husband and dad, the Rabbi and his mother might never have found Torah (or his adopted father).
Perhaps, forming a relationship with Robert (and explaining to the sibs the situation from the start) might be a healthier way to live.
Just wondering. Reply

I once asked my Rabbi, how could it be that a person was Jewish and black. He said that they were special higher souls. They have two difficulties they had to overcome. Jews and blacks are both hated and discriminated against. Hashem doesn't give a person something that he can't handle. The fact that Hashem chose them meant that they have the strength to deal with it and overcome it. Reply

It has never mattered what color you are, only that your mind, and heart and soul are "clear."

Stay safe. Be well. Reply

I learned from Rabbi Mordechai Wenger of Montreal, Canada that there is no such thing as a better person. I also learned from him not to judge a book by its cover. And maybe it was Rabbi Moshe Krasnanski from Chabad TMR that explained to me that not to judge a book by its cover applies to people.

Not everyone has had a perfect education, and not everyone knows everything correctly and properly.

I didn’t watch the whole video but thank you Rabbi Kulek for sharing. Reply

As a Black person myself I am very Blessed to hear this story. Black persons who want to embrace to and Judaism struggle with how to fit into a community that by and large doesn't look the way you look but knowing that this is where you should be. It's very encouraging to know that Rabbi Yossi is a leader in the community who can empathize with this struggle and give meaningful assistance to those in need. Barukh Hashem! Reply

What a beautiful man. Reply

Thank you for your honest and sensitive words. Many people are also sidelined- bal teshuvahs, converts ,other ethnicities, etc.
The pride of your children is a testimony to your successful journey Reply

Great and inspirational! Reply

Amazing story. As a mixed race convert with children of color who is married to a rabbi, I really appreciated hearing Rabbi Kulek’s story. Reply

This was amazing. Would love to have something like this for preteens or even younger kids, especially in the religious community. I don't believe it's intentional, yet some situations have caused racism to continue on despite our value of loving every Jew. Would appreciate having tools for parents and educators to combat this issue within our communities. Reply

Amazing BH. Reply

Good Evening,

Rabbi Kulek, thank you for taking the time to share such a warm and edifying story. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Also, I would love to hear you and your wife's chassidus journey; especially how you prepare )and share your diverse cultures on Shabbat.

Be blessed!

Thank you Chana for an awe-inspiring interview!

Baruch HaShem, Reply

Chana you and your guests are a dose of positivity every time I listen! Thank you! Reply

Fascinating and inspiring. Thanks. Reply

Fascinating and enlightening interview! Rabbi Kulek is bringing the Geula by revealing how we can love every human being. May he and his family go from strength to strength in all their endeavors! Reply