Use tableware from the Common Ground installation and connect with fellow diners as you take part in an interactive culinary journey celebrating the ancient Ethiopian Jewish holiday of Sigd through traditional food, music, and photography. As its title suggests, Common Ground is a community-activated artwork that celebrates American pluralism while also fostering human connection through shared meals and other collaborative gatherings. 

Leading the dialogue is Beza Abebe, a trailblazer in researching topics like Sigd in America and authenticity in storytelling with over a decade of experience advocating for underrepresented voices in Ethiopia, Israel, and the United States.

Los Angeles–based artist Adam Silverman collected clay, water, and wood ash from all fifty American states, Washington, DC, and the five inhabited US Territories and combined them to create a set of tableware and ceremonial pots. The resulting 224 ceramic objects, titled Common Ground, is a community-activated artwork that celebrates American pluralism while also fostering human connection through shared meals and collaborative installations.

Beza Abebe, a dedicated advocate for diversity and human rights, holds a Doctorate in International Law from Golden Gate University and serves as a Research Fellow at Be’chol Lashon, championing Jewish diversity. As the Ralph Goldman Fellow of JDC (2023) Beza’s commitment to social justice and tikkun olam has been a driving force throughout her career. She was originally from Yabello, Ethiopia. In 2009, she embarked on a transformative path to Israel, ultimately formalizing her Aliyah status in 2014. Where she worked in Legal and philanthropic organizations that strive for the empowerment, and equality of the Ethiopian-Israeli community. Beza boasts an impressive educational background, including a Master’s in Government and Diplomacy from IDC Herzliya, an LLM from Tel Aviv University, and an LLB/JD from Hawassa University in Ethiopia. Beza’s unique Ethiopian and Israeli perspective enriches her contributions to shaping content and promoting inclusivity.

For more on Common Ground and artist Adam Silverman, click here.