... Pedersen, K. 1983. The history of Ethiopian community in the Holy Land from the time of Tewod... more ... Pedersen, K. 1983. The history of Ethiopian community in the Holy Land from the time of Tewodros II till 1974 , Jerusalem: Tantur. View all references) probably did not exceed a thousand people. ... Oxford and Herndon, VA: Berg. View all references, Worku 200241. ...
This paper gives a short overview of the current state of research of the study of Beta Israel hi... more This paper gives a short overview of the current state of research of the study of Beta Israel history, including a response to two papers in this volume by Dege-Müller and Kribus and Krebs that deal with various Beta Israel sources.
Dawit I has received far less attention than either his grandfather ʿAmdä Ṣǝyon I or his son Zärʾ... more Dawit I has received far less attention than either his grandfather ʿAmdä Ṣǝyon I or his son Zärʾa Yaʿǝqob. This comparatively brief article attempts to partially redress the balance. During the more than three decades during which he reigned, Dawit strengthened the religious and political fabric of Ethiopia. By promoting devotion to both the Cross and the Virgin Mary, he provided the Church with two pan-Christian symbols which transcended local rivalries and regional loyalties. These were, moreover, symbols particularly suited to visual representation and hence comparatively easy to propagate among Ethiopia’s largely illiterate population. He did not, however, neglect the role of religious texts. His reign is remembered both for the important translations initiated, most notably Täʾammǝrä Maryam and for original works composed by his close associate Giyorgis of Sägla. Dawit also made great strides in solidifying Church state relations, particularly through his generous land grants,...
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Politics Behind the Rescue of Ethiopian Jewry, by Mitchell G. Bard. ... more From Tragedy to Triumph: The Politics Behind the Rescue of Ethiopian Jewry, by Mitchell G. Bard. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2002. xiii + 205 pages. Sel. bibl. top. 208. Index top. 217. $64.95. The Ethiopian Jewish Exodus: Narratives of the Migration Journey to Israel 19771985, by Gadi BenEzer. London, UK and New York: Routledge, 2002. xiv + 202 pages. Appendix to p. 205. Notes to p. 224. Bibl. to p. 246. Index to p. 254. n.p. During the period from 1977 to 1985 over 14,000 Beta Israel (Falasha) or as they are most commonly called today, Ethiopian Jews, emigrated from Ethiopia and settled in Israel. Since then, they have been followed by more than 45,000 of their compatriots. Nevertheless, it is this first group, most of whom arrived via the Sudan, who have long been the subject of a disproportionate amount of attention. While several books about "Operation Moses" were published in the 1980s, as a rule these were either journalistic accounts or autobiographical narratives. Both of the volumes under review seek to take the story one step further by offering new information (Bard) and a new level of interpretation (BenEzer). Bard's goal is to offer a behind-the-- scenes look at the political maneuvering which made the Operation possible. Follow-- ing a rather weak chapter recounting Beta Israel history (pp. 1-23) and a brief survey of Ethiopia-Israel relations (pp. 25-38), he turns his attention to the lobbying, negotiations, and deal-making which made the mission possible. Using a combination of published accounts, interviews, and archival sources, Bard tells the story behind the story. In particular, he highlights the manner in which American Jewish activists transformed the topic of Ethiopian Jewry from an obscure issue barely on the radar of the Jewish world into a litmus test for the immigration policies of successive Israeli governments. Indeed, by being more Zionist than the Zionist state (at least insofar as they were promoting the rights of others to live in Israel), they cajoled, embarrassed, and threatened the Israelis into pursuing actions they might otherwise have never undertaken. Despite the book's title, the focus of the study is far narrower than one might expect. Over half the book (pp. 39-160) is devoted to Operation Moses, which took place from November 1984 to January 1985. In contrast, Operation Sheba (March 1985) and Operation Solomon (May 1991) receive a mere 15 pages (pp. 161-75). This gap is especially glaring in the case of Operation Solomon, in which extensive diplomatic efforts were undertaken to achieve the airlift of over 14,000 people in less than two days. Fortunately, at least two books discussing these events are close to completion. Moreover, although Bard's book claims to present "the politics behind" the airlifts, here, too, his scope is somewhat limited. Bard discusses in much greater detail the activities of Americans (especially, those of the American Association for Ethiopian Jewry) and of Israelis than events in other countries and by other organizations. We read comparatively little about either Sudanese or Ethiopian politics. The complex relations between the Ethiopian Jews and their country's various rebel factions is all but ignored. Karadawi's Refugee Policy in Sudan 1967-1984, which is the best analysis of the larger issue of refugees in this period appears to have escaped Bard's notice. Indeed, throughout the book, Ethiopians whether Jewish or non-Jewish, appear primarily in the background. Ferede Aklum, who pioneered the Sudanese route of emigration, does not even receive the courtesy of having his last name mentioned. There is, of course, nothing as easy or as unfair as a reviewer chiding an author for not writing the book which he (the reviewer) wishes to have read. However, in this case, the omissions themselves are noteworthy because they are indicative of the particular ideological approach of the author. Bard's is the latest in a long line of books written from a Jewish or Zionist perspective. …
... on numerous occasions as a designation of the Eucharist52. The social context ofeucharistic t... more ... on numerous occasions as a designation of the Eucharist52. The social context ofeucharistic theology. 46 G. Colin, Vie de Georges de Sagla, (CSCO 492, Sae 81), Louvain, 1987, 22. 47 Kaplan, Holy Man, 43; On the term "King ...
The purpose of this article is to present a preliminary overview of the two largest Ethiopian imm... more The purpose of this article is to present a preliminary overview of the two largest Ethiopian immigrant communities: the United States and Israel. While Ethiopians in Israel have been the subject of a vast literature, Ethiopians in the United States have received far less attention. This paper seeks to initiate a comparative discussion by discussing both populations in terms of a variety of features such as demography, geographic distribution, resettlement, domestic life, religion, diaspora politics and race. It argues that the complex picture of similarities and differences which emerges cannot be explained by any one variable such as home country culture, host country policies, pre–migration characteristics or resources allocated for immigrant resettlement.
ABSTRACT This article explores aspects of racial discourse employed in discussing Ethiopian Jews ... more ABSTRACT This article explores aspects of racial discourse employed in discussing Ethiopian Jews in Israel. It assumes that racial classifications are social constructions which themselves must be analysed and explained. Although Ethiopian immigrants did not consider themselves to be ‘black’ in Ethiopia, they are usually described as such in Israel. This serves not only to associate them with other ‘black’ groups in the African diaspora, but also to emphasise that other Israelis are ‘white’. This ‘whiteness’ of veteran Israelis, like the ‘blackness’ of Ethiopians is not a mere description of pigmentation, but rather a designation which carries with it numerous social and political associations. In contrast to Ethiopian Jews and other Jewish Israelis, other groups—most notably Israeli Arabs—do not figure as part of the colour spectrum and are thus rendered invisible in discussions, which ignore their existence.
Page 1. THE JEWISH QUARTERLY REVIEW, LXXIX, No. 1 (July, 1988) 49-65 "FALASHA"RELIGION:... more Page 1. THE JEWISH QUARTERLY REVIEW, LXXIX, No. 1 (July, 1988) 49-65 "FALASHA"RELIGION: ANCIENT JUDAISM OR EVOLVING ETHIOPIAN TRADITION? A REVIEW ARTICLE* STEVEN KAPLAN, HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM ...
... The story was then adopted by the spiritual descendants of Takla Haymanot because it brought ... more ... The story was then adopted by the spiritual descendants of Takla Haymanot because it brought them one step nearer to Dabra Damo. The Gddld lyasus Mo'a itself was only composed much later and thus partially accepted the tradition'. ...
... Pedersen, K. 1983. The history of Ethiopian community in the Holy Land from the time of Tewod... more ... Pedersen, K. 1983. The history of Ethiopian community in the Holy Land from the time of Tewodros II till 1974 , Jerusalem: Tantur. View all references) probably did not exceed a thousand people. ... Oxford and Herndon, VA: Berg. View all references, Worku 200241. ...
This paper gives a short overview of the current state of research of the study of Beta Israel hi... more This paper gives a short overview of the current state of research of the study of Beta Israel history, including a response to two papers in this volume by Dege-Müller and Kribus and Krebs that deal with various Beta Israel sources.
Dawit I has received far less attention than either his grandfather ʿAmdä Ṣǝyon I or his son Zärʾ... more Dawit I has received far less attention than either his grandfather ʿAmdä Ṣǝyon I or his son Zärʾa Yaʿǝqob. This comparatively brief article attempts to partially redress the balance. During the more than three decades during which he reigned, Dawit strengthened the religious and political fabric of Ethiopia. By promoting devotion to both the Cross and the Virgin Mary, he provided the Church with two pan-Christian symbols which transcended local rivalries and regional loyalties. These were, moreover, symbols particularly suited to visual representation and hence comparatively easy to propagate among Ethiopia’s largely illiterate population. He did not, however, neglect the role of religious texts. His reign is remembered both for the important translations initiated, most notably Täʾammǝrä Maryam and for original works composed by his close associate Giyorgis of Sägla. Dawit also made great strides in solidifying Church state relations, particularly through his generous land grants,...
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Politics Behind the Rescue of Ethiopian Jewry, by Mitchell G. Bard. ... more From Tragedy to Triumph: The Politics Behind the Rescue of Ethiopian Jewry, by Mitchell G. Bard. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2002. xiii + 205 pages. Sel. bibl. top. 208. Index top. 217. $64.95. The Ethiopian Jewish Exodus: Narratives of the Migration Journey to Israel 19771985, by Gadi BenEzer. London, UK and New York: Routledge, 2002. xiv + 202 pages. Appendix to p. 205. Notes to p. 224. Bibl. to p. 246. Index to p. 254. n.p. During the period from 1977 to 1985 over 14,000 Beta Israel (Falasha) or as they are most commonly called today, Ethiopian Jews, emigrated from Ethiopia and settled in Israel. Since then, they have been followed by more than 45,000 of their compatriots. Nevertheless, it is this first group, most of whom arrived via the Sudan, who have long been the subject of a disproportionate amount of attention. While several books about "Operation Moses" were published in the 1980s, as a rule these were either journalistic accounts or autobiographical narratives. Both of the volumes under review seek to take the story one step further by offering new information (Bard) and a new level of interpretation (BenEzer). Bard's goal is to offer a behind-the-- scenes look at the political maneuvering which made the Operation possible. Follow-- ing a rather weak chapter recounting Beta Israel history (pp. 1-23) and a brief survey of Ethiopia-Israel relations (pp. 25-38), he turns his attention to the lobbying, negotiations, and deal-making which made the mission possible. Using a combination of published accounts, interviews, and archival sources, Bard tells the story behind the story. In particular, he highlights the manner in which American Jewish activists transformed the topic of Ethiopian Jewry from an obscure issue barely on the radar of the Jewish world into a litmus test for the immigration policies of successive Israeli governments. Indeed, by being more Zionist than the Zionist state (at least insofar as they were promoting the rights of others to live in Israel), they cajoled, embarrassed, and threatened the Israelis into pursuing actions they might otherwise have never undertaken. Despite the book's title, the focus of the study is far narrower than one might expect. Over half the book (pp. 39-160) is devoted to Operation Moses, which took place from November 1984 to January 1985. In contrast, Operation Sheba (March 1985) and Operation Solomon (May 1991) receive a mere 15 pages (pp. 161-75). This gap is especially glaring in the case of Operation Solomon, in which extensive diplomatic efforts were undertaken to achieve the airlift of over 14,000 people in less than two days. Fortunately, at least two books discussing these events are close to completion. Moreover, although Bard's book claims to present "the politics behind" the airlifts, here, too, his scope is somewhat limited. Bard discusses in much greater detail the activities of Americans (especially, those of the American Association for Ethiopian Jewry) and of Israelis than events in other countries and by other organizations. We read comparatively little about either Sudanese or Ethiopian politics. The complex relations between the Ethiopian Jews and their country's various rebel factions is all but ignored. Karadawi's Refugee Policy in Sudan 1967-1984, which is the best analysis of the larger issue of refugees in this period appears to have escaped Bard's notice. Indeed, throughout the book, Ethiopians whether Jewish or non-Jewish, appear primarily in the background. Ferede Aklum, who pioneered the Sudanese route of emigration, does not even receive the courtesy of having his last name mentioned. There is, of course, nothing as easy or as unfair as a reviewer chiding an author for not writing the book which he (the reviewer) wishes to have read. However, in this case, the omissions themselves are noteworthy because they are indicative of the particular ideological approach of the author. Bard's is the latest in a long line of books written from a Jewish or Zionist perspective. …
... on numerous occasions as a designation of the Eucharist52. The social context ofeucharistic t... more ... on numerous occasions as a designation of the Eucharist52. The social context ofeucharistic theology. 46 G. Colin, Vie de Georges de Sagla, (CSCO 492, Sae 81), Louvain, 1987, 22. 47 Kaplan, Holy Man, 43; On the term "King ...
The purpose of this article is to present a preliminary overview of the two largest Ethiopian imm... more The purpose of this article is to present a preliminary overview of the two largest Ethiopian immigrant communities: the United States and Israel. While Ethiopians in Israel have been the subject of a vast literature, Ethiopians in the United States have received far less attention. This paper seeks to initiate a comparative discussion by discussing both populations in terms of a variety of features such as demography, geographic distribution, resettlement, domestic life, religion, diaspora politics and race. It argues that the complex picture of similarities and differences which emerges cannot be explained by any one variable such as home country culture, host country policies, pre–migration characteristics or resources allocated for immigrant resettlement.
ABSTRACT This article explores aspects of racial discourse employed in discussing Ethiopian Jews ... more ABSTRACT This article explores aspects of racial discourse employed in discussing Ethiopian Jews in Israel. It assumes that racial classifications are social constructions which themselves must be analysed and explained. Although Ethiopian immigrants did not consider themselves to be ‘black’ in Ethiopia, they are usually described as such in Israel. This serves not only to associate them with other ‘black’ groups in the African diaspora, but also to emphasise that other Israelis are ‘white’. This ‘whiteness’ of veteran Israelis, like the ‘blackness’ of Ethiopians is not a mere description of pigmentation, but rather a designation which carries with it numerous social and political associations. In contrast to Ethiopian Jews and other Jewish Israelis, other groups—most notably Israeli Arabs—do not figure as part of the colour spectrum and are thus rendered invisible in discussions, which ignore their existence.
Page 1. THE JEWISH QUARTERLY REVIEW, LXXIX, No. 1 (July, 1988) 49-65 "FALASHA"RELIGION:... more Page 1. THE JEWISH QUARTERLY REVIEW, LXXIX, No. 1 (July, 1988) 49-65 "FALASHA"RELIGION: ANCIENT JUDAISM OR EVOLVING ETHIOPIAN TRADITION? A REVIEW ARTICLE* STEVEN KAPLAN, HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM ...
... The story was then adopted by the spiritual descendants of Takla Haymanot because it brought ... more ... The story was then adopted by the spiritual descendants of Takla Haymanot because it brought them one step nearer to Dabra Damo. The Gddld lyasus Mo'a itself was only composed much later and thus partially accepted the tradition'. ...
Ethiopia has a long and complex history with Jews and Judaism. Perhaps most constitutive of the connection between the two is an Ethiopian tradition according to which the favor of the God of Israel, along with the ark of the covenant, was transferred from Israel to Ethiopia during the days of the biblical Solomon as a result of his amorous relationship with the Queen of Sheba. Earlier scholars invoked this tradition to explain everything from an alleged “Judaic component” of Ethiopian Christianity to the existence of the Beta Israel, or as they are sometimes called “Ethiopian Jews,” who lived in northern and north-western Ethiopia until their large-scale emigration to Israel between 1977 and 1991. In the last several decades, scholars have adopted a more critical approach to investigating Ethiopia’s interconnectedness with Jews and Judaism. In the present webinar, Steven Kaplan and Sophia Dege-Müller will address the status quaestionis of the Beta Israel and their origins as well as signal new directions in this area of research. Then Marcia Kupfer and Aaron Butts will explore how Ethiopian Christians have viewed Jews and Judaism in art and text, respectively, asking in particular what connections can be drawn between Ethiopian Christian views of Jews and Judaism and the Beta Israel. The webinar will conclude with a discussion addressing these and related questions.
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Papers by Steven Kaplan
Ethiopia has a long and complex history with Jews and Judaism. Perhaps most constitutive of the connection between the two is an Ethiopian tradition according to which the favor of the God of Israel, along with the ark of the covenant, was transferred from Israel to Ethiopia during the days of the biblical Solomon as a result of his amorous relationship with the Queen of Sheba. Earlier scholars invoked this tradition to explain everything from an alleged “Judaic component” of Ethiopian Christianity to the existence of the Beta Israel, or as they are sometimes called “Ethiopian Jews,” who lived in northern and north-western Ethiopia until their large-scale emigration to Israel between 1977 and 1991. In the last several decades, scholars have adopted a more critical approach to investigating Ethiopia’s interconnectedness with Jews and Judaism. In the present webinar, Steven Kaplan and Sophia Dege-Müller will address the status quaestionis of the Beta Israel and their origins as well as signal new directions in this area of research. Then Marcia Kupfer and Aaron Butts will explore how Ethiopian Christians have viewed Jews and Judaism in art and text, respectively, asking in particular what connections can be drawn between Ethiopian Christian views of Jews and Judaism and the Beta Israel. The webinar will conclude with a discussion addressing these and related questions.