Rosh Hodesh Sivan in Nagaland
Every month the Bnei Menashe celebrate Rosh Hodesh – the holiday marking the first day of the month. The day includes classes, food, prayers and the “Seder Amenim” where Bnei Menashe women recite blessings over food followed by a resounding “Amen” from all the participants. This month’s festivities took place in the village of Ahthibung, Nagaland, in the Bnei Menashe community of Heichal Shlomo. Community chairman Elkana Vaiphei hosted the 26 women, including 20 who came by bus from Imphal (Manipur); the bus fare was sponsored by Miriam Samra, a long-time supporter of Shavei Israel’s activities in India, who lives in Australia. Because Rosh Hodesh fell this year at the end of the week, the group also stayed on through Shabbat, returning home before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
Here are some pictures our emissary to the Bnei Menashe in India, Yochanan Phaltuel, sent to us from this month’s events.
