The most recent meeting of the Beit Midrash for the Study of Ethiopian Jewish Religious Texts at Ono Academic College focused on the textual study by Rabbi Dr. Sharon Sharon of Psalm 150 and references to “Hatzlacha/Success” in Genesis. After the break, Rabbi Reuven Yaso led a detailed discussion of the Bete Israel (Ethiopian Jewrish) calendar based on his book about the subject. The session concluded with a heartfelt group discussion about the Beit Midrash’s contribution to their own sense of identity.
The session began with an introduction by Sam, Director of International Programs, who welcomed Raba Oriya Goldberg from the National Beit Midrash administration, a partner in this public-private initiative with the Jewish Renewal Administration and Panim: The Israeli-Judaism Network. Goldberg shared her background and the organization’s mission.
Group coordinator Asher emphasized the importance of capstone articles, encouraging participants to submit titles and noting flexibility for non-academic or artistic submissions. A participant then described her family’s unique Beta Israel tradition of celebrating Rosh Hashanah in Nissan rather than Tishrei, highlighting a festive meal and emotional ties to her heritage, which she captured in a film to share with the group.
Rabbi Sharon discussed a recent Cafe Buna celebration of the New Moon Festival at Ono’s Ethiopian Center. Members of “Hag Rosh Hodesh,” a group reviving the New Moon Festival with torch-waving on mountaintops, a practice echoing ancient Sanhedrin customs. He also shared a lighthearted anecdote about wearing a traditional “keshera” headband at his wedding and getting called, “Rambo.”
The session’s core featured Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom’s presentation on Psalm 150, and its final verse, “Every Soul Will Praise You,” exploring the Beta Israel perspective through the Orit, their Geez-language Bible. Rabbi Reuven Yasu read the psalm in Geez, noting linguistic nuances—like the word shofar being translated into Geez as “horn”—and their biblical significance. Rabbi Sharon emphasized how Geez translations, such as “Nafs” for both “Neshama” and “Nefesh,” reveal a collective focus in Beta Israel tradition, contrasting with Rabbinic individualism. This sparked debate, with some participants challenging his interpretation, citing Hebrew’s “Neshama” as more collective. Sharon supported his view with references to Hasidic and Rashi’s interpretations, framing the psalm as a universal call to praise.
The discussion then shifted to “Hatzlacha” (success) in the Geez translations of the Book of Genesis, which are linked to “work” and “ease of travel” suggesting a Beta Israel view of success as communal effort and completion, resonating with the idea that Keisim historically prayed for the collective.
Rabbi Sharon further explored wisdom, contrasting intellectual “head” wisdom with emotional “heart” wisdom, a Beta Israel emphasis. He lamented the erosion of these values in Israeli society, urging their preservation.
After the break, Rabbi Reuven Yasu then presented on the Beta Israel calendar, rooted in the Land of Israel’s latitude, ensuring Passover aligns with spring per Torah mandates. He compared Talmudic and Beta Israel traditions, noting the latter’s hybrid lunar-solar approach, and shared his own familial ties to calendar scholarship, including the publication of his book, the “Yaso Calendar.”
Participants reflected deeply in the closing discussion. Some grappled with identity tensions between Beta Israel heritage and Rabbinic norms, valuing the forum’s validation of their traditions. Others sought balance between collective and individual values or head and heart wisdom, while one advocated for sustained efforts to legitimize Ethiopian Jewish culture.
The session, rich with personal stories, textual insights, and cultural pride, extended beyond its allotted time, a testament to its emotional resonance. Rabbi Sharon agreed to future explorations of Ethiopian holiday traditions, responding to participants’ desire to reconnect with their roots.
