MY FAMILY
THE BETA ISRAEL CURRICULUM

Cover of Beta Israel Curriculum

ALTERNATIVE THEORIES OF ORIGIN

 

Teachers should now explain that while the majority of Beta Israel consider themselves descendants of the lost Tribe of Dan, there are also other theories regarding the origin of Ethiopian Jewry. It should be noted that in Israel, the theory of the lost tribe is widely accepted by rabbis and academics, as well as by most members of the community.11

Jews, who believe that the tribes of Israel have been found. His story has more significant influence in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, when other rumors and evidence of Jews in Ethiopia appear. At that time, Eldad HaDani’s assertions serve as an inspiration for the search for the tribes of Israel and their kingdom.”

Below is a list of some of the other origin theories that should be shared with students. These theories were summarized by Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom in his book, From Sinai to Ethiopia. Students should also be encouraged to research the internet to understand further theories.

 

WHERE DID THE BETA ISRAEL COME FROM?

By Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom , From Sinai to Ethiopia, pp. 61-62

  1. The most popular theory – accepted by most of the Beta Israel – suggests that Ethiopian Jews are the descendants of the Tribe of Dan, one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. According to this theory, Dan’s descendants wandered to Ethiopia over the course of centuries, beginning in the tenth century BCE until the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE.
  2. Some Ethiopian Jews believe their community began with the marriage of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, who had a son they called Menelik. When the Queen of Sheba returned to her native land with Menelik, King Solomon decided that the firstborn sons of Israel should escort their journey. When the convoy arrived in Sheba, the escorts decided to remain as well.
  3. Another theory suggests that Ethiopian Jewry is descended from Jews who emigrated to the region from Egypt between the seventh century BCE and the second century CE.
  4. Yet another theory postulates that the community is descended from Jews who emigrated from southern Arabia (Yemen) between the second century CE and the sixth century CE, when war broke out between the Christian Ethiopian King Kaleb and the Yemenite King Joseph Dhu-Nuwas, who was a convert to Judaism.
  5. Finally, some claim that Ethiopian Jews are descendants of the local Agaw Tribe, which either converted or adopted a unique form of Judaism in the fifteenth century CE.

 

After sharing these theories, teacher should ask students one or more of the following questions:

 

  • Do you think it matters which of these theories are true? Why or why not?12
  • Imagine you are a member of the Beta Israel and believe that you are a descendant of the lost Tribe of Dan. How would you feel if others told you that you were wrong, and, really, you are descended from an African tribe called the Agaw, that adopted or converted to Judaism?
  • Think about your own family. Imagine someone told you that you are not actually a part of your family, but from somewhere else entirely. How do you think this would make you feel?

 

During discussion, teachers should emphasize that none of these theories can be proved, and as such, the Beta Israel’s own self- identification as descended from the lost Tribe of Dan should carry most weight.

11 It should be noted that this theory was first mentioned in the ninth century by Rabbi Zemach Gaon, as reflected in his responsum to the community of Kairouan and was then later expressed in the responsum of Rabbi David Ibn Zimra (1479–1573), and more recently in the responsa of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (1920-2013).

12 Teachers should acknowledge that some of these theories suggest that the Beta Israel may not originally be Although that conclusion is firmly rejected within this curriculum, the sentiment has unfortunately been expressed by some researchers – and even rabbis – to a sufficient extent leading to questioning of the Beta Israel’s Jewish status.