Explore the profound parallels between Moses, the Passover story and the adoptee experience. This post explores the sobering realization of the distance between worlds when an adoptee’s Jewish identity and a birth mother’s faith do not align. Drawing on the story of Moses, Dr. David McCarty-Caplan offers reflections on maintaining personal authenticity and healing through community while staying present in the complex, radical act of love that is reunion.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Los Angeles, CA - April 3, 2026 — Shades of Belonging is proud to announce that our founder, Dr. David McCarty-Caplan, was recently featured on Adoptees On , the premier podcast for adult adoptees to share their raw, real, and deep stories of identity and discovery. In this significant interview, David moves beyond his credentials as a researcher and consultant to share the deeply personal events that shaped his life and career. As a Colombian-born adop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Los Angeles, CA - March 24, 2026 The Jews of Color Initiative (JoCI) has awarded a new grant to Shades of Belonging for its newest phase: From Research to Relationship . This project moves beyond data collection to establish a pilot program that centers the voices and agency of Jewish adoptees of color. Building on the initial Shades of Belonging study, this initiative addresses the isolation often felt by those at the intersection of adoption and Jewi

Explore the complex connection between adoptee birthdays and grief. Dr. David McCarty-Caplan shares a somatic reflection on navigating loss, reunion, and healing.

The latest episode of Labor of Love: A Podcast for BIPOC Adoptees , titled " Radical Vulnerability ," offers a deeply moving conversation with Dr. David McCarty-Caplan. This episode explores the complex and heartfelt journey of adoptee parenting, reunion, and identity. David’s openness about his experience as an adoptee parent invites listeners into a space where vulnerability and connection guide the navigation of parenthood and personal history. A Personal Journey of Reunio

Yesterday, I was able to share the results from the study, "Shades of Belonging: Exploring Religious Identity and Sense of Belonging...

September 12, 2024, 10am PT Join us for a special virtual event as Dr. David McCarty-Caplan presents the groundbreaking findings from the...

The Shades of Belonging Festival, held on May 5, 2024, served as a vibrant testament to the Jewish community's commitment to diversity...

The inaugural Shades of Belonging Community Festival, held on May 5, 2024, at the prestigious Skirball Cultural Center, marked a...

Find out which politicians have confirmed their attendance at the Shades of Belonging Community Festival.

Check out which artists, politicians and sponsors will be at our Community Festival!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Los Angeles, CA - April 16, 2024 - Mark your calendars for a groundbreaking celebration! Jewtina y Co. proudly...

Jewish young professionals organization NuRoots interviewed our founder.