Group to visit Lost Tribe

By Stephen Epstein

This coming Winter when many people are thinking of skiing holidays or warm Florida vacations a small adventurous group of people will be setting out to visit one of the ten lost tribes.
Tucked away in the Indian provinces of Manipur and Mizoram between Burma & Bangladesh are a group of people that have returned to Judaism after thousands of years. The Bnei Menashe believe that they are descended from the ancient tribe of Menashe. Evidence shows that after the exile of the northern kingdom of Israel in 721 BCE, many Israelites made their way across the silk route ending up in China. The Shinlung tribe, as they were also called in China, eventually migrated to Burma and north east India, losing many of their Jewish customs along the way. Although their "leather scrolls" were destroyed, the Bnei Menashe still held on to their oral history and the poems describing their ancestors crossing the Red Sea and being led by a pillar of fire and a pillar of smoke. Since the areas are far off the beaten track of most tourists visiting India and Manipur restricts foreign visitors, few Westerners have actually been able to visit the Bnei Menashe or their 30 synagogues.
Spirit of India. (http://www.spirit-of-india.com) a California based company started by Barbara Sansone, organizes tours to India and the Himalayas. "Spirit of India is a culmination of all that I have done before," states Barbara, who is also a former educator as well as magazine photographer. "I am able to use all my skills, resources and experiences to offer unique and exceptional journeys that are educational, cultural, spiritual and creative." Sansone has put together a unique tour to specifically visit the different Jewish communities of India.

Besides the Bnei Menashe, the group will visit Jewish sites in Bombay, Cochin, Calcutta and Alibag. Other highlights of the trip include a visit to a large rock that according to legend, has etched into its surface, imprints from the chariot of Elijah the prophet as he ascended to heaven. Another stop will be the community of oil-pressers who are descended from the original Bnei Israel ancestors that were shipwrecked off the coast of India at the time of the first Temple.

The group is limited to 18-20 people and was designed to avoid traveling on Shabbat. For additional information call: 888-367-6147.

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Mikvah Completed

In order to return to Israel under the law of return and rejoin the Jewish people as equal Jews, the Bnei Menashe must undergo a ritual conversion. Two Mikvahs were built, one in Manipur, the second in Mizoram, (the two centers of Bnei Menashe life in India). Conversions commenced and a group of Bnei Menashe were brought to Israel in the fall of 2006.
Coming Home to Israel

By Avishai Guite

I was born and raised in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, India's easternmost state and home to many Bnei Menashe. In the mid-1990s, Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail of Jerusalem opened the Amishav house in Imphal. It consists of a synagogue, two guest rooms, a mikvah (ritual bath) and one classroom, in addition to the living quarters for the center's staff. It was at the Amishav house that I was able to acquire a basic knowledge of Judaism and halacha (Jewish law).
Thanks to the generosity of some Australian well-wishers, religious books and primary Hebrew textbooks were donated, enabling us to open a library which I was proud to administer. As I advanced in my Hebrew studies, I also began teaching others the language of our forefathers. Shortly thereafter, I began to serve as the chazan (cantor) of the Beth El synagogue located in the Amishav house.
In mid-1999, I received the long-awaited and much hoped for news: permission to go to Israel. Finally, my dream was coming true: I was to return to the land of our ancestors. After over 2,000 years of exile, I was going home.
As excited as I was, I was at a loss as to the rules and procedures for obtaining the necessary visas and undergoing the requisite formalities. In addition, I did not have the necessary funds to pay for the cost of airfare and transportation from Manipur to Israel. To my great relief, friends in Israel informed me that it would all be taken care of by the Amishav organization. Rabbi Avichail would shoulder the burden of arranging the visas, purchasing the airline tickets, organizing places to stay in Israel and ensuring all of our initial basic needs. I can not begin to imagine what troubles and hardships were involved in making it all succeed, and I am very grateful to Rabbi Avichail for his dedication and efforts.
After the arrangements were made, I left my home in eastern India and landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on October 8, 1999. The moment my feet touched the holy ground of the Promised Land, I felt transformed into a new person, both physically and spiritually. Whatever fears and anxieties I had, they melted away instantly when I saw the familiar faces of friends and relatives who had come to greet me at the airport. Among them was Rabbi Avichail, whose big smile radiated warmth. Just as my friends had told me, Rabbi Avichail had arranged for my accommodations in advance, and I was able to rapidly begin my absorption into Israeli society.
After staying with my brother (who had come to Israel previously) for four or five days, I moved into the Machon Meir yeshiva in Jerusalem. I took a range of Judaic studies courses and I was able to complete the formal conversion ceremony in about 7 months. I enjoyed the learning immensely and I continue to study there so that I can deepen my knowledge and appreciation of our rich and beautiful heritage.
I have now been in Israel for a year and I am very happy. But as the saying goes - even on the bright side of the moon, there are dark spots. It is now five months after my conversion was completed, but I still have not been issued a Teudat Zehut (identity card) and various other documents that go along with having full Israeli citizenship. I just hope that this will get sorted out soon.

I was very excited to learn recently that another 100 Bnei Menashe will be coming by the end of this year, as well as 100 more next year. I left behind so many relatives and friends in India who dream of coming home to Israel - I pray that I will be reunited with them again soon here in the Jewish state. Though the financial burden on Rabbi Avichail and Amishav is immense, I hope that Jews around the world will help to make this dream become a reality.
Shanah Tovah and have a good and healthy year.
Press Release February 10, 2000

Contact: Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail
Chairman, Amishav
Phone/Fax: 972-2-642-4606

37 Descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel Due to Arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport on Friday After Centuries of Exile, Bnei Menashe Return to Zion

Jerusalem An emotional scene is expected at Ben-Gurion airport early Friday as 37 descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel are set to arrive at 6:50 a.m. on EL AL flight #0076 out of Bombay. The new arrivals, members of the Bnei Menashe, are coming to Israel under the auspices of the Jerusalem-based Amishav organization, which is dedicated to locating descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and returning them to the Jewish people. They join an additional 450 Bnei Menashe (children of the Tribe of Manasseh) already residing in the country.


This is an historic moment for the Jewish people, said Amishav founder and chairman Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail, who has devoted his life to finding and assisting the descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel. After a lengthy and difficult separation, the Bnei Menashe are being reunited with the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. Their return to Zion marks the closing of an historical circle, noted Rabbi Avichail, adding, This is a triumph of faith.

The Bnei Menashe arriving in Israel originate from two states in eastern India: Manipur and Mizoram. Members of the Shinlung tribe, they have a rich oral tradition tracing themselves back to the Israelite tribe of Manasseh and continue to practice many uniquely Jewish customs. Approximately 30 years ago, some 3,500 Bnei Menashe decided to formally return to the Jewish people and they began living a fully Jewish life to the best of their ability in accordance with Jewish law.

Two decades ago, Rabbi Avichail learned of the Bnei Menashe through an Indian Jewish acquaintance, and he traveled to India several times to investigate their claims to Jewish ancestry. After careful study of the historical record and consultations with leading rabbinical authorities, Rabbi Avichail concluded there is convincing evidence linking the Bnei Menashe with the Jewish people.

Rabbi Avichail notes, The Bnei Menashe have an ancient tradition handed down orally from generation to generation which speaks of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They circumcise male children on the 8th day after birth in accordance with Jewish tradition. The Bnei Menashe conduct a sacrificial ceremony on an altar reminiscent of the ancient Jewish Temple in which their priest uses the Hebrew name of G-d as it appears in the Torah. In this ceremony, their priest invokes Mount Sinai, Mount Moriah and Mount Zion.

The Bnei Menashe are descended from the Israelite tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Tribes of Israel exiled by the Assyrians in the 8th century BCE. The exiles of Manasseh reached Assyria and from there, according to Bnei Menashe tradition, went to Afghanistan. From Afghanistan they went to the Himalayi (believed to be a reference to the Himalayan mountains), on to Mongolia and from there to southern China. In China, the group was persecuted because of its faith and forced to hide in caves (as a result of which they have come to be known as Shinlung, which means cave covering). Some 500 to 600 years ago, the Shinlung, or Bnei Menashe, began to wander toward their current home located on the border between India and Burma.

Upon arrival in Israel, the Bnei Menashe will engage in full-time study of Judaism and the Hebrew language to reacquaint themselves with the faith of their forefathers. To remove any doubts about their status, the Bnei Menashe undergo formal conversion ceremonies performed by the Israeli Chief Rabbinate, upon completion of which they are granted new immigrant status by the Interior Ministry.
Other news...

The Songbung Beith Shalom Syangogue has opened after 18 years of planning and no small amount of fund raising among the Bnei Menashe in Assam. And in addition to having a regularly meeting minyan, the synagogue also has a torah from Israel. Thanks to Sam Daniel in NY, the community also has a fair supply of Jewish educational materials and siddurim. Teffilin, mezoozot, and other ritual items are in short supply. And very pleasing to discover, the Joint Distribution Committee has also contributed 4 siddurim for the high holidays.

Pirke Avot has been translated into Thadou Pao, the language of the Thadou tribes of Assam India and the Thadou Kuki. It is a stapled book, home published from a copying machine. The Songbung Synagogue is working on translations for many other texts. The community is also looking for correspondence course on Judaism. They found " A Still Voice" in Jerusalem, but the cost was prohibitive. Unfortunately they did not say what the price was.

For those who want to send books and religious items, please e-mail and we can tell you what to send and where.
Books are expensive to ship so we could use any financial help possible. Please e-mail if you can assist.
A small shipment of Jewish books is being prepared for Benjamin Haokip to help with his classes in Moreh.


Benyamin Haokip writes:

Our town, Moreh is a remote town situated 116 kilometres away from Imphal-South East along the border with Myanmar.

We celebrate the Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sucot in our small town. Jews from surrounding villages also join us on all occassions. We enjoy dwelling in the Sukkah though rain may disturb us at midnight or other times of night.

We do not have school building but I usually tutor them in my home they are all young children of 10 to 15 years old. I have about 35 children who can attend regular class. I taught them Ivrit, songs, stories from the bible and common and important Halachos given on the siddur but due to lack of book for text. I have to collect some available book and references to continue the school.

. . . I do like to request for Midrash and Shulchan Aruch as we usually sermon on the Shabbat and festival-due to lack of text we have only few knowledge about these.

May your kindness and love for us, your children in Moreh be always remembered.


January 11, 2000

Lost Jewish Tribe Wants Israeli Home

Filed at 1:59 p.m. EST

By The Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) -- A group from India that claims to be a lost Jewish tribe asked Israel on Tuesday to welcome it home after 2,500 years of exile -- the latest request that has Israel reconsidering its open-door policy to Jews and their descendants.

About 450 members of the Shinglung community have come to Israel over the past 10 years, and activists asked Parliament's Immigration and Absorption Committee on Tuesday to admit and grant citizenship to an additional 100 Shinglung per year.

"Since I was a young boy, I was taught that Israel is the place to which we have to return," said Samuel Joram, 39, who arrived from the Indian province of Mizuru two years ago with his mother.

But Israel, which since its inception has actively urged Jews from around the world to settle there, fears that a flood of non-Jewish immigrants would threaten the Jewish character of the nation.

Naomi Blumenthal, chairwoman of the immigration committee, said granting the request would leave Israel vulnerable to demands from 2 million people in northeast India and in Myanmar, also known as Burma, who are ethnically related to the Shinglung.

On the other hand, denying the request could make the government an easy target for criticism, she said.

"We have a bad experience with Jewish organizations, mostly in the United States, who would then try to portray us as a racist country that doesn't want to bring people who are different," she said.

Representatives of the 3,500-member Shinglung community say they are descendants of Menashe, a tribe that was lost after the Jews were
exiled from Israel in 586 B.C. Joram said his ancestors, separated from Judaism's other 11 tribes, called themselves the children of Menashe.

In the 1970s, with the help of a businessman from the Monopur Province who studied at a Jewish institute in Bombay, Joram said the Shinglung began rejecting Christianity and adopting modern Jewish practices. They began coming to Israel in 1989.

Israel's Law of Return, established when the country was new, poor and surrounded by enemies, grants Jews or descendants of Jews automatic citizenship and financial assistance.

However, now that Israel is prospering and making peace with its neighbors, officials fear that residents of poorer countries will claim Jewish roots to take advantage of Israel's higher quality of life.

"If you bring one, think of how many non-Jews will come,'' said ultra-Orthodox lawmaker Shmuel Halpert. He added that thousands of Falash Mura -- Ethiopian Jews who converted to Christianity -- are also demanding to immigrate.

But some Israelis see the newcomers as political strength -- most are housed in Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, claimed by the Palestinians as the site of a future state. The settlers welcome the addition to their political base that opposes land-for-security deals with the Palestinians.

Blumenthal said experts would be appointed to investigate the origins of the Shinglung. But prospects still look bleak for Joram, who wants to bring his brother and sister from India to Israel.

"The longing and love for Israel is still there today," he said.