Portrayals of Africa and Africans in Stories with Jewish Characters: Reflections from Black and Jewish Educators
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59669/jojece.v1i1.11Keywords:
African Jewish communities, Children's picture books, Jewish early childhood education, Multicultural literature, Critical AnalysisAbstract
This study examines portrayals of Africa and African Jewish communities in Jewish-themed picture books. Analyzing 19 titles published between 1985 and 2024, the research team, composed of African American, African American Jewish, Ethiopian Jewish, and Ashkenazic Jewish members, applies critical content and multicultural analysis to explore four themes: cultural representation, migration and belonging, Africa as homeland versus exile, and authorship. Findings show that books created with community collaboration offer more nuanced, affirming portrayals, while those written from outside often rely on stereotypes or deficit narratives. The authors urge early childhood educators and publishers to critically assess whose voices are centered and how cultures are represented. By elevating insider perspectives and embracing the full diversity of Jewish life, picture books can foster identity affirmation, empathy, and justice in early learning spaces.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muller Meir, Gloria Boutte, Michal Avera Samuel, Shahanna W McKinney-Baldon
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