Teaching Judaism in Burma (Myanmar)
Simeon Hatlung learns to bake matzah with Yafa Phaltual and Rukha Neihsiel
We conclude our updates from Shavei Israel’s six-week visit to the Bnei Menashe with this report from Simeon Hatlang, one of two Shavei “Fellows” to the Bnei Menashe in Myanmar (Burma). His story, which was filed by Shavei Israel’s administrator in Manipur, India, Yochanan Phaltual, also provides details on the intensive Hebrew and Judaism study program that Shavei Israel has provided the Bnei Menashe during January and February.
Hatlang, who at only 17-years-old is one of the youngest Shavei “Fellows,” actually began his training six months ago when he made the three-day journey across the border from Myanmar to India with his father by foot. His father has since returned to Myanmar.
Hatlang’s training has covered all of the major Jewish holidays. He was taught how to build a succah, as well as the laws pertaining to Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Chanukah and Rosh Chodesh (the first day of each Hebrew month). He is currently learning about the upcoming holidays of Purim, Passover, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day), Yom Ha’azmaut (Israel Independence Day) and Shavuot.
In addition to the Hebrew language instruction he received from Shavei Israel’s Israeli instructors, Yehudit Eyal and Dalia Netzer Safrir, who flew to India for the month of January, Hatlang also studied with senior Shavei “Fellow” Shlomo Haokip. Haokip is the cantor of Beith Shalom, the largest Bnei Menashe synagogue in India. This presented Hatlang with an additional opportunity: to learn the basics he needed to lead his community back home in prayer.
Hatlang’s final lesson last week was on how to make kosher matzah. He is now on his way to Myanmar again, where his first responsibility will be to organize a three-month program of activities and learning to accompany the community through the spring holiday cycle. It’s a significant undertaking– fortunately, he won’t be alone: Yona Dousei Kipgen serves as the other Shavei “Fellow” in Myanmar.
Hatlang is returning to Myanmar at a particularly auspicious moment: the activities he has planned will be the first to take place at the new Ohel Michael synagogue, which was dedicated last year and named after Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund. The synagogue is located in the small village of Tualmu in Chin state. Hatlang lives nearby, in the tiny town of Sikhen.
Hatlang has been preparing his learning activities for the Myanmar community under the supervision of Rabbi Hanoch Avitzedek, Director of Shavei Israel’s Bnei Menashe Aliya and Absorption Department, and Tzvi Khaute, Shavei Israel’s coordinator for the Bnei Menashe, who have been in India for the duration of the training seminar. In honor of his return to Myanmar, Rabbi Avitzedek presented Hatlang with a kosher mezuzah for the doorpost of the new synagogue, a pair of tefillin (phylacteries) and a tallit (prayer shawl). A Sefer Torah for the shul was presented by Shavei Israel last year.
Shavei Israel established formal contact with the Bnei Menashe in Myanmar only five years ago. Hatlang’s extensive training over the past six months represents a confident step forward in the full return of this particularly isolated community to the Jewish people.
We have pictures of Simeon Hatlang during his visit to India below.
