“To be a Jew is to be a part of a people, sharing its joys, participating in its griefs, recalling its history, making its hopes my own.”
-Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Born in Argentina, raised with the richness of Sephardic tradition, and now calling America home, I've always found myself at the intersection of different worlds.
My grandmother, Abuela Nory, of blessed memory, taught me the power of love and faith. My parents instilled a passion for learning and serving others. My teachers insisted there is never a time too dark for the radical possibility of hope.
My story is one of bridges and connections.
Today, my work weaves together many threads
As the spiritual leader of The Downtown Minyan in Manhattan, I'm building a space where young Jews shape a community that reflects their values while fostering shared purpose.
Through my work as Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund, I bring Jewish wisdom into broader conversations about faith, society, and how American Jews can reclaim ownership of their tradition.
And in the academic world, I'm uncovering the beautiful diversity of Jewish experience, focusing on the often-overlooked stories of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in America.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief:
Our ancient tradition holds the keys to thriving in today's world and our individual and collective voices are needed for our tradition to flourish. It's about finding meaning, fostering community, and building bridges across our differences.
ABOUT
Hi, I'm Mijal Bitton
I’m a spiritual leader, sociologist, scholar, Latina Jew of Middle Eastern descent, proud American, wife, mother, and woman navigating this complex, yet deeply beautiful world.
As you can probably tell, I wear many hats.
And they all share a common goal—a passionate commitment to reconnect Jews with our shared heritage and with each other, no matter where we come from or how we practice.
The values I live and serve by
I connect diverse communities and bridge gaps between tradition and modernity.
Build bridges,
not walls
My sociological research provides valuable insights into the beautiful tapestry of diverse Jewish communities.
One highway,
many lanes
My advocacy against antisemitism and for Jewish peoplehood reaches millions.
Broadcast truth,
and live by it
I demonstrate how to create vibrant, welcoming Jewish communities rooted in tradition.
Plant seeds for
Jewish life
MY ROLES
My many roles share a common goal
Revitalizing Jewish peoplehood and our essential role in the ongoing Jewish story.
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Visiting Researcher at NYU Wagner and Director of the National Study of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in the United States
