From left, cast members Kenzo Lee, Lillian Mimi McKenzie, Kaitlyn Tanimoto, Victoria Rani, and Kimberly Green perform in “What Do I Do With All This Heritage?” on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. The show offers more than 14 true stories of Asian American Jews. Lillian Mimi McKenzie performs in “What Do I Do With All This Heritage?” on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. The show offers more than 14 true stories of Asian American Jews.
Shows will run through June 9 in Los Angeles, San Francisco and via Zoom. May marks the celebration of both Asian American and Jewish American heritage.Children learn matzo making and Passover’s traditions ahead of the Jewish holidayThe stories capture the rich diversity among Asian American Jews, with subjects ranging in age from 12 to 75. The production has no sets, props or costumes.
“It made me feel lost and sad and pained,” she said, describing her helplessness at being unable to fully embrace her Asian and Jewish identities. “I spent a lot of time crying, praying to God.” When she turned 11, Chishti’s parents told her she would have two coming-of-age ceremonies — a Bat Mitzvah and one where she recited the Shahada — the Muslim profession of faith.
“You never feel quite enough for everyone and you don’t feel entirely comfortable in a Jewish or Asian space,” she said. “I often have to figure out how many cards I’m going to show — Indian, Asian, interfaith, Jewish, Muslim. It has been a process of knowing that I can only be me, and that has to be enough.”Lulu Fairman was born in Kolkata, India, to Orthodox Jewish parents.