Unit 5: HOW ETHIOPIAN AND RABBINIC JEWISH LAW DIFFER

MY FAMILY
THE BETA ISRAEL CURRICULUM

HOW ETHIOPIAN AND RABBINIC JEWISH LAW DIFFER

Having explained the distinction between biblical and rabbinic Jewish traditions, teachers should share the following excerpts which explore specific examples of Ethiopian Jewish law, regarding prayer, shabbat, and weddings.

Along with reading these texts, students should search the internet to learn more about these rituals from both biblical and rabbinic perspectives.

Teachers should then ask students to offer their thoughts in response to each ritual. Discussion should focus both on the Beta Israel’s unique practices, as well as on how these rituals differ when practiced according to rabbinic halakhic tradition.

Credit: Hamakom⁷¹

71 Photograph, Hamakom Newspaper, https://www.ha-makom.co.il/efrat-yerday-kes/