Memory as Resistance - Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker - Who Jew Think You Are | Lyssna här

Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker shares his personal and ancestral journey as a modern-day Bene Israel man living in Israel. From synagogue melodies to family recipes, and his travels in India and around the world to document a history before it disappears - Eliaz reflects on what it means to honour multiple identities in a world that often demands we choose just one. His story spans continents and generations, challenging assumptions about Jewishness, ethnicity, and belonging.

Our Guest

Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker is a historian, writer, and artist based in Israel. His work explores heritage, identity, and cultural memory. He has authored several books and continues to document the stories of the Bene Israel community through writing, teaching, and public speaking. A special bonus clip and article is on our Substack.

Key Topics

Race & Recognition: The tensions and questions Eliaz has faced around his appearance and background in different spaces
Tradition & Resistance: Why Eliaz insists on preserving accents, melodies, and rituals that others might dismiss or forget
Culture Through Food: From Passover samosas to homemade chai, Eliaz shares what's on his plate.
Pluralism & Belonging: A powerful story about being told to “just be Jewish” and how Eliaz responds by embracing his whole identity

Your Guide

Short definitions of terms and traditions mentioned in this episode:

Bene Israel: one of the largest and oldest Jewish groups originating from India. Bene Israel translates to ‘children of Israel’ in Hebrew.

Matza: Unleavened bread eaten during Passover

Melida: A Bene Israel ceremonial gathering often held to honour milestones or life events (Recipe here)

Eliyahu Hanavi / Hanabi: Elijah the Prophet, a central figure in Jewish tradition and to the Melida ceremony

Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.