The Bnei Menashe celebrate Sukkot in India
The Hangshing family sukka in the village of Kangpokpi
We are now in the midst of the holiday of Sukkot and, all over the world, Jews are commemorating the days when the Israelites dwelled in temporary “booths” during their sojourn from Egypt to the Promised Land. We do so today by eating and sleeping in our own makeshift outdoor structures for seven days.
One of the most heartwarming stories of a Jewish community celebrating the holiday is that of the Bnei Menashe still in India who have a full program of Sukkot activities made possible by Shavei Israel. The Bnei Menashe (or “sons of Menasseh”) claim descent from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, who were sent into exile by the Assyrian Empire more than 27 centuries ago. They reside in the northeastern part of India.
Activities for Sukkot in India this year include:
- A “Best Sukka” competition, which will include photos and video of all the entrants – we’ll post those on shavei.org soon.
- Classes on Sukkot at the Beit Shalom synagogue in Kangpokpi given by Yochanan Phaltual, Shavei Israel’s emissary in India. Yochanan will be accompanied by two Shavei “Fellows” – outstanding young Bnei Menashe who have received special training in Jewish studies in order to become leaders in their communities.
- A full day learning program at the Shavei Israel Hebrew Center in Manipur.
Joining the Bnei Menashe this year for Sukkot is David Cohen, an Israeli who has been visiting India since Rosh Hashana. Cohen served as the baal tokea during Rosh Hashana, blowing the shofar for the community.
Shavei Israel has been active for more than ten years in India, helping to build infrastructure, including synagogues, community centers, and mikvehs (ritual baths).
We are now gearing up for the next phase of our activities – bringing the more than 7,000 Bnei Menashe still living in the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram home to Zion, where they will join the 1,700 Bnei Menashe who have already made aliyah. By this time next year, we are confident that many more Bnei Menashe will be celebrating Sukkot in Israel! And of course, Shavei Israel will be there to continue to support these new immigrants.
For more information on this momentous development and on how you can help – please click here.