First Bnei Menashe synagogue dedicated in Myanmar (Burma)
The Bnei Menashe live in northeastern India and just across the border in Myanmar as shown here
The Bnei Menashe in Myanmar (Burma) are getting their first ever synagogue. The Bnei Menashe (or “sons of Menasseh”) claim descent from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and reside in northeastern India. A small community also lives just over the border in Myanmar.
The synagogue, which is in the village of Tualmu in Myanmar’s Chin State, was consecrated last week, during the holiday of Sukkot. It will be called “Ohel Michael” in honor of Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund.
Shavei Israel gave a Torah scroll to the community in May 2011. Shavei Fellow Yona Kipgen, a member of the Bnei Menashe in Myanmar, represented Shavei Israel at the dedication. He will also teach classes while there.
In addition, two Bnei Menashe – Gamliel Hatlang and his son Simeon – from the village of Kalemyo, also in Myanmar, are now in India to study Judaism in order to serve as further resources to their community.
The Hatlang’s traveled for three days by vehicle and on foot to take part in special classes in India. They are staying with Shavei Israel’s emissary to the Bnei Menashe, Yochanan Phaltual, in his home in Churachandpur. Gamliel will be returning to Myanmar shortly, while Simeon will remain in India to further his education until November.