About this talk

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

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

About Rabbi Kunin

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

Rabbi Kunin is a strong believer in the importance of fostering positive and harmonious relationships among people of different faiths. Interfaith engagement has therefore been a defining feature of his rabbinate. He served as Chair of the Southern Tier Interfaith Coalition in Elmira, New York, where he created the Walking Together program, and was a longtime board member and president of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action. In recognition of his community service, he received the Alberta Centennial Medal.

Rabbi Kunin has also worked with the emerging Jewish community of Indonesia for over ten years. He currently serves as the rabbi of Congregation Beth David in Saratoga, California.