In the past year, Jews have grappled with ideas around race, diversity and inclusion like never before. The Bush Report on racial inclusivity in the Jewish community, published by the Board of Deputies in April 2021, highlighted the false assumption that all Jews are essentially white and European. Having heard from voices in the UK about their experiences of black Jewish life, we now widen the frame for rare insights into Jewish experience within African communities.

As Jews we may be familiar with the story of the persecuted Jews of Ethiopia, and the gradual escape of the majority to Israel in last thirty years. However, there is another Jewish community in Ethiopia, one that has only become known in recent years.  That is because for hundreds of years they were like the Anusim in Spain and Portugal, outwardly behaving as Christians and practicing their Judaism in secret caves hidden from the world. Now, a new generation senses that the climate has changed, that it is safe to declare their Judaism openly and seek Aliyah to Israel.

We are delighted to be joined by Michael Moges, and Belayne Tezabku for fascinating insights into this “crypto-Jewish” community.

You can book your place via our partners at Jewish Renaissance.

Malka Shabtay is an Israeli anthropologist who has penetrated more than most into this secret world. Her film Finding the lost Jewish tribes of Ethiopia is part of a campaign to have the Bal Ej recognised by Israel as a Jewish community.

Michael Moges and Belayne Tezabku are leaders of the synagogue in Kechene, Addis Abbaba. They will show us round the synagogue and describe some of their unique practices.

Full course details:

4th July: Bal Ej - The Secret Jews of Ethiopia

11th July: The Lemba in Southern Africa

18th July: The Hebrew Igbo of Nigeria

25th July: The Abayudaya of Ethiopia