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ASF-IJE: Eth101
The Bete Israel: An Authentic Judaism

The Bete Israel: An Authentic Judaism

Study Ethiopian Jewry in the context of Jewish history and Israeli society, integrating issues such as racism, Jewish pluralism and inclusiveness, and the challenges of creating political and social change. Scholars, artists, and religious leaders present a survey of this unique Jewish community.
Enrollment is Closed
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About This Course

This eight hour course is broken down into short 10-20 minute lessons where Ethiopian Jewry scholars and activists present Ethiopian Jewry in the context of Jewish history and Israeli society, integrating issues such as racism, Jewish pluralism and inclusiveness, and the challenges of creating political and social change. The course provides a clear view into the rich past, present and future challenges of Ethiopian Jews and offer a window into the future of this dynamic community.

The International Center for the Study of Ethiopian Jewry at Ono Academic College and American Sephardi Federation Institute of Jewish Experience (IJE) have partnered to create this full online course for adults and youth that can be learned at an individual pace. Ono’s Center is the only research institute focusing on Ethiopian Jewry and represents the world’s leading repository for the study of Beta Israel. ASFIJE has a long track record of producing successful courses presenting multiple diverse facets of world Jewry across history.

Unit 1: History of a Community Professor Shoshana Ben Dor, Dr. Avraham Negouseh, Babu Yaakov, Dr. Simha Getaoun, @Professor Ephraim Isaac, Professor Haggai Eherlich Unit 2: A community's traditions Kes Avihu, Kes Semai Elias, Kes Mentosnot, Kes Efraim, Kes Ro'i, R Dr Sharon Shalom, Belaynesh Mekonen, Professor Ephraim Isaac, Joan Roth Unit 3: Connection to the Greater Jewish World Professor Shalva Weil, Micha Feldman, Rav Menahem Valdman, Joan Roth Unit 4: Immigration to Israel Rose Braun, R Dr. Sharon Shalom, Rabbi Mehahem Valdman Unit 5: Life in Israel Dr. Naomi Shmuel, R Dr Sharon Shalom, Dr. Aryeh Tepper, Marty Hershkovits, Belaynesh Zevadia

Course image by Joan Roth. Joan Roth is a photographer whose work has been published and exhibited throughout the world. Her passion lies in visually conveying the grandeur of ordinary women. Born and reared in Detroit, Joan Roth came to New York in 1962. Roth traveled worldwide to publish Jewish Women: A World of Tradition and Change, the first book about Jewish women - including in cultures such as Ethiopia, India, and Yemen - by a Jewish woman photographer.

Requirements

No previous knowledge needed.

Course Staff

Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom

Rav Sharon was born Zaude Tesfay in a Jewish community in the North of Ethiopia. He is an Orthodox rabbi, trained at the elite Yeshivat Har Etzion, sometimes called the ‘Harvard of the Yeshivot.’ He has a doctorate in Jewish Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University. He served in the Israeli army as an officer. He is the congregational rabbi to Holocaust survivors in Kiryat Gat, Israel, an Ashkenazi synagogue. He is hte Director of the International Center for the study of Ethiopian Jewry at Ono Academic College in Israel.

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