Shavei Israel releases new publications ahead of the High Holy Days
Bnei Menashe recite selichot at the Western Wall using new Shavei Israel booklet
Shavei Israel has published two new books just in time for the Jewish High Holy Days.
The first is a much-requested booklet of Selichot, the penitential poems and prayers traditionally recited in the days leading up to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. It contains the original Hebrew text along with a transliteration. In addition, there are general instructions and explanations in Mizo and Thadou-Kuki, the two main languages spoken by the Bnei Menashe. The booklet was prepared by Itzkhak Colney, one of two Bnei Menashe social workers serving the community.
The new Selichot booklets were quickly put into use, as you can see in the picture to the left of a group of Bnei Menashe reciting the selichot prayers at the Western Wall earlier this week.
The publication on Selichot complements Shavei Israel’s ongoing series of booklets for the Bnei Menashe in Mizo and Thadou-Kuki called Na’aseh VeNishma. In May, our most recent booklet, covering the period up until the holiday of Shavuot, was published, with more on the way.
For Bnei Anousim in Portugal, Brazil and Israel, Shavei Israel has just released the second edition of its Rosh Hashana machzor (holiday prayer book). The first edition was published two years ago. This timely new version includes a letter of blessing from the chief rabbi of Jerusalem (and former chief rabbi of Israel) Rabbi Shlomo Amar.