The History of Ethiopian Jewry

Piecing together legends and stories.

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A Jewish community in Ethiopiathe Beta Israel (House of Israel)has existed for at least 15 centuries.


Origins of the Community


Ethiopian Boy



Religious Life

Since the Beta Israel community existed in isolation from other Jewish communities around the world, they developed a unique set of religious practices--in some ways quite different from what is typically considered "Jewish."

For example, an order of Ethiopian Jewish monks was founded in the 15th century to strengthen the community's religious identity and resist Christian influence. This monastic movement introduced an organized approach to religious practice, creating new religious literature and prayers, and adopting laws of ritual purity.




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Atira Winchester

Atira Winchester is a journalist who worked for many years as an editor for The Jerusalem Post. She currently lives in London, England where she works as a freelance writer, specializing in arts, culture and contemporary Israeli life.