The African Diaspora and Black Jews

The Beta Israel, the Lemba and the Hebrew Israelites are examined

Mar 30, 2009 Paul Hamilton

Questions related to some African population's claims of Jewish ancestry have resulted in several historical and scientific studies with interesting outcomes.

After the fall of the Kingdom of Israel (Northern Kingdom) in 720 B.C. and the Kingdom of Judea (Southern Kingdom) sixth century B.C., there have been several groups who have either fled the land of Israel, or who were captured and removed as slaves, which in turn commenced a diaspora that formed out of ancient Israeli tribes. Throughout most of modern history there were only two groups that had been officially recognized and sanctioned by the State of Israel as having descended directly from these ancient people. Those groups include the modern-day Jews who reside in Israel and Palestine and the Samaritans. But what does it mean to be "officially sanctioned?" And is it possible for new groups to join this so-called officially sanctioned club? And if so, what would that entail?

Not All Jews Live in Israel

We know of course that not all Jews live in Israel and that various groups from all over the globe have made numerous claims of affiliation. In this literary exploration, the claims of some black people to include the Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews), the Lemba Tribe of South Africa, and the Hebrew Israelites (Chicago Branch), and the so-called officially sanctioned Jews will be explored.

The Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews) Claim of Jewish Origin

We begin with the Black Jews of Ethiopia who according to Professor and writer Gadi Ben-Ezer, are said to number around 120,000 in Israel itself and around 22,000 to 50,000 in Ethiopia. Many of these Ethiopians were allowed to emigrate to Israel under its Law of Return, which states that all Jews can settle there and obtain Israeli citizenship. In exploring the Hebrew Biblical record, one finds that there are several references to a person named Sheba who is said to have become involved in the genealogical record of the twelve tribes of Judah, and some of their geographical settling locations in Ethiopia. There are actually different schools of thought on this matter due to two their being two different references in the Hebrew Bible. Further references to the actual but unnamed Queen of the land of Sheba can be found in the Hebrew text and seem to point to a possible union between the Queen and King Solomon. It is from this union that the origin of so-called Lost Tribes, like the Beta Israel, are said to have come from.

The Lemba of South Africa Claims of Jewish Ancestry

The claims of Jewish origin related to the Lemba seem to wind their way through time and geography through a unique oral and physical history that spans several centuries. Beginning in an ancient city called Sena (located in modern-day Yemen), and winding their way down the entire continent of Africa. According to this oral tradition the Lemba are said to have made stops and interacted in trade and commerce with local tribes of indigenous Africans (with very little inter-marrying), from Ethiopia, to Malawi, to Zimbabwe, through to South Africa. The Lemba's claims mostly come from their story and their cultural and religious practices, which are said to be non-European in nature and specifically Jewish in origin. They also claim direct lineage from priestly clan known as the Bhuba clan, and these people are said to be directly related to ancient Jews Arron and his brother Moses.

The Black Hebrew Israelites (Chicago Branch) Claims of Jewish Ancestry

Are mostly people of Black African heritage that are located in the U.S., but claim to be descendants of the ancient Israelites. This sect adheres to varying degrees of Jewish religious practice and customs; however, they have had a difficult time being accepted as authentic by main stream Jewish scholars with only one group actually enjoying the recognition from any former or current Jewish authorities until relatively recently in their history. This groups of self-proclamation of Jewishness (without much recognition) has not acted as a deterrent, as many are not seeking the endorsement of the formally established State of Israel, mainly because they believe these Jews them selves as not authentic.

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