Ono Ethiopia Scholars Lead Community Day of Prayer for Bete Israel
Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom, founder and director of the International Center for the Study of Ethiopian Jewry at Ono Academic College, and Rabbi Reuven Tal Yasu, Lead Scholar at Ono’s Beit Hamidrash for the Study of Bete Israel Texts were featured presenters at the “Day of Prayer” to be held at the Ethiopian Jewish village of Kfar Bete Israel in Kiryat Gat. The program took place during the week of the Sigd Holiday marking fifty days after Yom Kippur, on the 29th day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan.
The event focused on the religious ruling of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate, adopt the decision of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef z”l to recognize the Jewishness of Bete Israel without requiring conversion. The participants heard an historical overview of the process and took part in a panel that examined the historical, social and legal significance of this decision.
The program featured:
- Greetings by Keis (Traditional Bete Israel Religious Leader) Mentosnot Eli Wanda
- “A Critical Review of the History of the Struggle” by Ono’s Rabbi Reuven Tal Yasu
- Musical Interlude by Bete Israel Jazz Saxophonist, Avta Brihon
- Panel Discussion featuring: Dr. Danny Adamaso, Ziva Mekonen Dego, Adv. Aweke Kobi Zena, Rabbi Mabrahtu Solomon and Ono’s Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom
