BLACK JUDAISM

ADDRESS: Current address unavailable for this edition

OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN: Black Hebrews

LEADERSHIP: None generally recognized by all groups. Local congregations are independent and self-governing.

MEMBERSHIP: Not reported.

HISTORICAL ORIGIN: Black Jews trace their roots to the Torah. They believe themselves to be the true descendants of the original Jews and heirs of the Promised Land, as are all black people. After the destruction of the second temple of Jerusalem, any Israelites remaining are believed to have moved southward and settled in Africa. Hundreds of years later, descendants of these Israelites were sold into slavery by members and by the indigenous population and finally shipped to America, still conscious of their Israelite identity.

As early as 1880, some black people began to recover their identity as Israelites, aided in part by the rediscovery of the Falashas--people in central Africa believed to be descendants of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The Falashas have practiced Judaism since 600 B.C.E.

Black Jews first began gathering together in the 1960s, primarily among black people in Chicago and other urban centers. Ben Ami and Moreh Isedek led a group in migrating to Liberia in 1967 and to Israel in 1971. Most of these later returned to the United States. Other groups, not a part of the migration, remained as independent congregations in various cities.

BASIC BELIEFS: Black Jews follow the faith of their ancestors--Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They affirm belief in Jehovah, the One God of Israel. They believe that black people are the descendants of the Patriarchs of what is commonly called the Old Testament. They observe the Sabbath and the Jewish holidays.

The holy book of Black Judaism is the Torah, which contains the Law as revealed and handed down through Moses. Authoritative information on Black Jews can be found in: Shaleak ben Jehuda, Black Hebrew Israelites: From America to the Promised Land (Vantage Press) and Rudolph R. Wins or, From Babylon to Timbuktu (Exposition Press).

PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: Dress properly and clean. Exemplify piousness by refraining from the use of foul language. Respect the person hood of others. Be peaceful.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Independent local congregations exist in Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Newark, New York, and Boston, led by their own religious teachers or rabbis. Currently, there is no central organization, and wide variations exist among local groups.

ROLE OF MINISTERS: As with other Jewish groups, the role of a rabbi is inherent in the name, which means teacher. Rabbis lead the local congregation in religious practices and worship, provide counsel and guidance.

WORSHIP: In accordance with the Torah, both group and private worship are encouraged. The Jew is to approach God with clean hands, a pure heart, and prayers must be sincere and devoted.

Judaism is characterized by its group nature. Sabbath worship is a requirement for all members. A copy of the Torah (law) and song books are necessary for group Worship.

DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: In keeping with the Torah and Jewish tradition, pork and its derivatives are forbidden, as is any form of meat with blood content present. All food must be kosher (i.e., blessed by a rabbi or teacher).

FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific requirements and should be assisted by a rabbi. Autopsy is generally prohibited except in Special circumstances. In general, cremation is prohibited by Jewish law.

MEDICAL TREATMENT: No restrictions.

OTHER: There is no opposition to service in the armed forces, except where such service might interfere with the Sabbah or Jewish holidays.

GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS:

[Carter], Ben Ammi. God the Black Man and Truth. Chicago: Communications Press, 1982. 242pp.