In this deeply personal episode, Shelley Silas guides us through her intricate journey of Jewish identity, shaped by her unique heritage, family dynamics, and the profound impact of loss.

Our Guest

Shelley Silas is a playwright and storyteller whose work delves into the nuances of identity and cultural belonging. Her plays, including "Calcutta Kosher," reflect her diverse heritage and the challenges of navigating multiple identities.

Key Topics

• Multifaceted Identity: Exploring the intersection of Baghdadi Jewish heritage, Indian roots, and LGBTQ+ identity.
• Family and Loss: How significant life events, especially the loss of family members, reshape one's understanding of Jewish identity and cultural practices.

Your guide

Short definitions of terms mentioned in this episode:

• Sephardi - Jews descended from Iberia and the Spanish diaspora
• Ashkenazi: Jewish people descended from Germany and Northern France
• Mizrahi: Jews from the Middle East and North Africa
• Shul: Yiddish word for synagogue
• Kippah: A small skull cap worn by Jewish men

Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.

• S1E1 The Big Three Origin Stories
• S1E7 “Identity is overrated” with Dr Orphira Gamliel

References & Resources

• The Royal Literary Fund - Shelley Silas's profile and works, including "Calcutta Kosher"
• Jewish Museum London - blog entitled Understanding the Indian Baghdadi Jews

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Show credits

Host / Producer: Eylan Ezekiel

Post-production: Communicating for Impact

Artwork: Emily Theodore

Music: Aleksafor utransndr Karabanov

Sound effects: Serge Quadrado

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.