The International Center for the Study of Ethiopian Jewry invites students and faculty at Ono Academic College to participate in a monthly program that combines a traditional Bete Israel coffee ceremony with stories and learning about Ethiopian Jewry. “Café Buna” or “Buna” is a traditional and important coffee ceremony in Ethiopian society. The word “Buna” is the informal name for coffee in Ethiopia.
The programs take place monthly on Rosh Chodesh, the new moon festival, between 12:30 and 2:00 at the International Center for the Study of Ethiopian Jewry at Ono Academic College
The first meeting took place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Fanta Farada, a graduate of Ono, a participant in its Beyt Midrash for the Study of Ethiopian Texts and the proprietress of a traditional Bete Israel cuisine restaurant in Tel Aviv prepared the Buna ceremony complete with traditional Ethiopian Jewish snacks. She noted that in Ethiopian society the Buna ritual allowed people to share and resolve many of their issues. She said, “The Buna solves everything.”
Fanta’s sister, Tamar, offered a fascinating account of the history and traditional presentation of the Cafe Buna ceremony including the First Round (Abol), the Second Round (Tona) and the third round (Baraka) by which time the flavor of the coffee is at its most sublime.
To begin the meal, Attorney Zev Kaso, Founder and Director of the Program for the Advancement and Social Integration of Students of Ethiopian Origin, recited the traditional Gez language blessing over the Dabo bread.
Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom, Founder and Director of the International Chair for the Study of Ethiopian Jewry, prepared a lecture on the importance of the Rosh Chodesh, new moon, festival in the culture of Bete Israel. He noted how Ethiopian Jewry has faithfully preserved this holiday that other branches of the faith have neglected, for the benefit of the entire Jewish people.
