A Short History of the Bnei Menashe
In the year 722 B.C.E. the Ten Lost Tribes were sent into exile, among them the Bnei Menashe. In year 3 C.E., the Bnei Menashe fled from China to the Himalayan Mountains. In 1818 the British arrived and were amazed to discover monotheistic tribes with a Biblical heritage.
In 1948, the Bnei Menashe requested to return to the Land of Israel. In 1974, an emotional “Memorandum” issued by the leaders of the community to Prime Minister Golda Meir, among others, remained unanswered. It was only thanks to the efforts of individuals acting on behalf of the community, such as Rav Eliyahu Avichail, that the connection to the Bnei Menashe was renewed.
A Bit From the Exhibition…
The Bnei Menashe’s Status in Jewish Law
In the year 2005, The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Shlomo Amar, recognized the Jewish roots of the Bnei Menashe, and the community as the biological and spiritual descendents of the Tribe of Menashe. According to this definition, the Jewish People is obligated to assist them in every way possible to return to Israel; however, on the other hand, the Bnei Menashe must also undergo conversion. This ruling by the Chief Rabbi resulted in initial conversion procedures by Rabbinical Court Judges of the State of Israel taking place in India following 2700 years of isolation. The first group of Bnei Menashe, approximately 218 individuals, made aliyah in 2006.
Traditions
Following the exile from the Land of Israel, the people managed to hold on the shreds of their identity and their Jewish traditions through various customs, songs, and stories, which were passed down through the priests, and from father to son. To this day, the Bnei Menashe managed to preserve Shabbat, brit mila, the Priesthood, sacrifices, prayers, and other traditions.
The Synagogue – in Mizram and in Manipour, in Assam, Nagaland, and in Myanmar, there are functioning synagogues in the cities and villages. These synagogues are built of stone, wood, tin, bamboo, clay, and mud. Some are modest structures, and some are more elaborate. What they share in common is that each is the heart of their community. Each community lavishes love and attention on their synagogue, and from each rises a cry of love and longing for the Land and People of Israel.
Absorption in Israel
Special efforts are made in order to promote the absorption of the Bnei Menashe community in Kiryat Arba, which is the largest Bnei Menashe group in Israel. For this reason, the “Beit Miriam” club was established, which serves as a welcoming framework for a variety of activities for the community’s children.
Mr. Michael Freund, Founder and Director of Shavei Yisrael: “It is not easy to extend a bridge over 2700 years, but the Bnei Menashe are facing this challenge with distinction. Over the past three decades, the community has been slowly returning to Israel…by holding on to their ancient heritage...after a long journey…the Bnei Menashe are returning home to Israel.”
For more information
To contact members of the Bnei Menashe community: Adi Levit, creator of the exhibition, 050-9605659
“Menashe is returning home to the Land of Israel.”