Living Diversely Jewish in Montana

Perhaps most unique, is that Rabbi Bruk and his wife, Rebbetzin Chavie, have adopted five children from around the world, including seven-year-old Menny, an African American.

 Rabbi Bruk describes Menny as “the only black Hassidic Jew in Montana,” who also happens to attend public school, where he plays football and basketball sporting tzitzit. 

 With the current racial events gripping America, there have been more difficult conversations with Menny, particularly since he is now old enough to be aware of his other identity. 

 Rebbetzin Chavie recently penned a blog outlining her conversations with Menny on the subject of racism. In it, she relays an instance when her son asked whether people hate black people “still”, and shared his perception on a recent family trip to Florida, that there was more diversity there than in Montana, which made him “feel good.”

 Menny is keenly aware that he is different from his peers, and that there are implications to that diversity.

 Still, Rabbi Bruk insists that Menny feels happy in Montana, and that “everyone who meets him loves him. This state has embraced him with open arms.”

 As the years go by, however, there will likely be more difficult conversations with Menny, as he further explores the duality of his identity.

 But one thing is for sure: the values he is being raised with, taught to him and practiced by his loving father and mother, will serve him well.