The Jews of Indonesia: 

A Diverse Community Across Many Islands

Sunday, September 29

USA 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET

UK 8:00 pm / France 9:00 pm / Israel 10:00 pm

The talk will last approximately 90 minutes

About this talk

Consisting of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state, the world's fourth-most-populous country, and the most populous Muslim-majority country. But unknown to many, it is also home to a small but committed number of Jews.

Rabbi Kunin will examine the diverse kehilot that comprise one of the most isolated re-emerging Jewish communities in the world. Descended from many different Jewish diasporas, Indonesia's Jews span the archipelago from Sumatra to Papua. Each of their communities is unique, with its own history and culture, yet together they form a vibrant whole, creating a Judaism that is both authentic and uniquely Indonesian.

About Rabbi Kunin

Rabbi David Kunin graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in Medieval History and then attended the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where he was ordained as a Rabbi and received an MA in Judaic Studies.

David is a strong believer in the importance of good and harmonious relations between people from diverse religious communities. Interfaith relations have therefore been a continuous mark of his rabbinate. He served as the Chair of the Southern Tier Interfaith Coalition (Elmira, NY), where he created the Walking Together program, and was a long time board member and president of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action. He received the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of his community work.

David has also been working with the emerging Jewish Community of Indonesia for ten years. David is also the rabbi of Congregation Beth David in Saratoga, CA.

With your contribution, you will also be donating to the American Sephardi Federation, which preserves and promotes the history, traditions, and rich mosaic culture of Greater Sephardic communities as an integral part of the Jewish experience.

You will be asked to select one of these options:

General admission - $18

Supported admission - $9

Sponsor this talk  - $36