This is the number one question I am often asked while attending various Jewish Happy Hours within Atlanta. This of course, followed by the infamous line, “I didn’t know there were Persian Jews.”
After dropping a few statistics, recounting my family’s own journey to the States, and stating what synagogue we attend, just for reassurance, I can’t help but think are American Jews really that ill-informed about other ethnicities that compose the Jewish faith, or is it just the South?
Fortunately, or not so fortunately, I knew I wasn’t’ the only one going through this same experience and decided to reach out to a friend in Los Angeles who also happens to be Persian-Jewish. I was curious to know whether she had encountered similar experiences considering she was living in LA, one of the country’s top cities for Jewish-Persians. After reaching out to her via Facebook, she graciously agreed to a brief Q&A highlighting her own trials and tribulations of growing up Persian-Jewish. Please Enjoy and Share!
Hi there! Can you please introduce yourself and state your nationality?
Hi! My Name is Melody Goldstein, I am half Russian from my father’s side (a Bat Kohen from his side as well), and half Iranian from my mother’s side. I am also an Israeli citizen, as I was born there and left to the states with my family three years later.
What have been some positive experiences you have had growing up as a Persian-Jew?
One major positive experience I have had from growing up in a bi cultural environment has been experiencing traditions as both an Ashkenaz and Sefard. My father always cooked American and European foods, while my mother always cooked traditional Iranian dishes. Some of her dishes I have learned have mostly originated from Iranian Jewish families (i.e., ghondi and khaleh bibi). My mother being the more traditional type, also upheld mostly Iranian/Jewish customs in the household, especially during the holidays. One of my favorites has been hitting each other with scallions when reciting dienu during our Pesach Seder. Our family on my mother’s side can also be traced back 2,000 years!
What do you love most about your Persian nationality?
What I love most about it is the great sense of pride our culture has. Iranians are a very hard working people, and from my experience instill a strong sense of core values within their households. They also believe strongly in maintaining important family and religious traditions. It’s definitely was has left me with strong roots and a strong ground to build my own future with.
What do you love most about your Jewish Identity?
There is truly something beautiful about the Jewish Faith. Our Torah teaches us how to be respectful, loving and honest people. It’s filled with life lessons, and stories that teach us how to improve ourselves and most importantly be good to the people around us. Our faith holds a very important key in living a full and happy life, and that is to spend every day of our lives finding new ways to be more giving and selfless in our actions.
What are some common questions or misconceptions you receive or believe people have of Persian-Jews?
The most common and admittedly disappointing question I come across is,
“how is it possible that you are Iranian and Jewish at the same time? Your mom is Persian so she must be Muslim.”
In response I simply say, “well, before the revolution, and before Ayatollah Khomeini took over, the country was filled with Jews. It wasn’t until then that the country was no longer safe for Jewish Iranians among people of other backgrounds who were happy with the Shah’s rule, and everyone had to escape and disperse.
If there was one thing you could share with other Jewish Millennials about your culture/identity what would it be and why?
Be happy you are an Iranian Jew! Be proud of your heritage and your roots!
We are the descendants of a very hardworking people who fought very hard to pave the way for a better future for the next generations. There are so many young Iranians and young Jews who feel ashamed of where they come from, and it’s truly a shame.
We come from such a beautiful and incredible background. There’s nothing to be ashamed of or to hide from. There needs to be a greater sense of pride coming from this generation.
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