Ma Nishtana is the pen name of Shais Rison, a 30-year-old, fifth-generation, African-American, Orthodox Jew. A writer and film-maker, he is prominent among Jews of Color. Asked if he identifies more as an African-American or a Jew, he once said: “When I walk down the street, nobody says, ‘Hey, look at that Jewish guy.'”

• PERSON: Elijah
• PLACE: Brooklyn Heights Promenade at Night
• THING: Black and White Cookie