Author brings Yemenite Jewish culture to 100 local women

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Henna, Judaism, and philanthropy: What do these things have in common? They were all part of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s women’s event, “Henna House: A Night with Nomi Eve,” chaired by Jeanie Charness and Cara Mitnick.

On May 24, just under 100 women from around Rhode Island convened at Temple Beth-El, in Providence, to hear Eve speak about her new book, “Henna House. “

Eve, a professor at Drexel University, took attendees on a journey into Yemenite Jewry while weaving together her tapestry of characters. Her presentation included photographs of traditional Yemenite Jewish bridal garb and explanations of the Yemenite Jewish culture - especially with regard to food. She reminisced about growing up in her Jewish Yemenite aunt’s kitchen, which, she said, explained how an Ashkenazi Jew like her wrote a book about Yemenite Jews.

Nomi Eve was preceded by Rick Hirschhaut, the senior director of external relations at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, who explained the work that the JDC is engaged in globally, and specifically in Arab countries. He noted that the partnership between the Jewish Alliance and the JDC helps Jewish communities thrive. In fact, every audience member who paid the $10 cover charge for the event helped support these efforts, as the money will be used to help Jews in Arab countries.

Learning about the JDC’s mission of “Rescue, Relief, and Renewal” was particularly relevant at this time since a secret mission that took place in March rescued the remaining Jews in Yemen, bringing them to Israel for a better life.

Mitzi Berkelhammer, vice chair of the Jewish Alliance and incoming chair of the Board of Directors, juxtaposed Hirschhaut’s presentation with an overview of what the Alliance accomplishes locally. She specifically spoke of the Living on the Edge Initiative, which aids those in our community who are economically vulnerable. To date, Living on the Edge has helped 1,200 people facing that reality, including 67 people requiring vocational services and 61 seniors in need of transportation.

At the end of the event, attendees were invited to get henna tattoos from local henna artists and taste various spices from Providence’s Not Just Spices, located on Hope Street. “Henna House” was also available for purchase, and Nomi Eve signed every copy.

For more information on the Jewish Alliance’s Women’s Alliance, or the Living on the Edge Initiative, contact Trine Lustig at tlustig@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 223, or Minna Ellison at mellison@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 176. If you or someone you know is in need, please contact the Access Jewish Rhode Island hotline at 401-421-4111, ext. 411.

HILLARY SCHULMAN is a development associate at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.