The Black Jews of South-Side Chicago
Eric Molinsky
APRIL 19, 2008
- Holding the Torah at Temple Beth Shalom
- (Photo courtesy Temple Beth Shalom)
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Temple Beth Shalom was built more than six decades ago, when the South Side of Chicago was full of Eastern European Jews. The synagogue is still here, but the congregation has changed. Today, the members are mostly African-American, and they call themselves Hebrew Israelites.
In some ways, the congregation borrows from traditions of black Christian worship. Congregants stand at their pews, clapping and singing, and many wear dashikis and tailored black robes. Men wear large skullcaps of traditional African design, with Jewish iconography woven into the patterns.
Tammy McCullough has attended the synagogue since she was a child, and says she identifies with the ancient Israelites because they were dark-skinned and they were slaves. "My grandmother always told me we were the people who came out of Egypt," McCullough says.
"We don't forget we're descendants from slaves -- we went through a lot to get here as a people. We bring that spirit with us in the music, in the teaching, in the speaking," she says. "We are passionate people, because at one point that's all we had, our passion and our music. That's all we had."
The Hebrew Israelite movement started in the early 1900s, around the same time as The Nation of Islam. Both religious movements appealed to African-Americans who were seeking a new identity beyond the black Christian church.
At a recent Saturday, Rabbi Capers Funnye led the congregation through a six-hour service that included prayers in Hebrew. He also gave a sermon about the environment, using Biblical interpretation.
Rabbi Funnye was born a Christian and grew up in the South during the Jim Crow era. In his mind, he couldn't separate Christianity from the politics of segregation. He went through a spiritual crisis -- he looked at Islam for a while, then explored Judaism. One day, he asked a white rabbi about the role of Africans in the Old Testament. "He said... many of the first Jews were in fact people of African descent -- and I said a 'Ha! That's starting to make some sense -- now we can talk more."
There are different sub-groups within Judaism, from Hasidic to Sephardic. Rabbi Funnye studied all of them, and picked the practices that made sense to him. He became a Jew in 1971 and eventually was ordained as a rabbi -- because, he says, it fit his personality and his inquisitive mind.
"Judaism allows a person to be as intellectual as they can possibly be, and still hold on to all the faith in the world," Rabbi Funnye says. "You do not have to give up your faith to be a good Jew. You do not have to give up your intellect to be a good Jew. They coexist within the Jew. Other faiths don't necessarily allow that.
"So why Judaism? You can question God."
In some ways, Rabbi Funnye's spiritual development, and the black synagogue, mirrors the history of activism in the black community from the Civil Rights movement to identity politics. Judaism, he says, provides a set of rules that governs daily life. The rituals remind people that God is watching, and Jewish law help them wrestle with moral choices, both big and small. "That's the wresting inside of every human being that has to go on," Rabbi Funnye says. "And Judaism allows those dichotomies and those tensions to exist in us. And it's OK. It's OK."
His positive message seems to resonate -- membership has soared. And he's bringing the congregation closer to their roots in Africa: Temple Beth Shalom is working with several congregations in Uganda. Rabbi Funnye says that unlike Ethiopian Jews, the congregations in Uganda have had very little contact with the outside Jewish world until now.
"And one group of leaders said to me in my last visit in September: 'Rabbi, please, if we join and you become our spiritual leader, please tell me that we can still drum and dance.' I said I wouldn't have it any other way."
Back in Chicago, even white Jews are beginning to come through the door. But these are mostly Reform Jews, from the liberal wing of Judaism. The Orthodox refuse to recognize Hebrew Israelites. Some of the black Jews aren't sure what to make of the white congregants. The Rabbi hopes to bridge the gap and let both sides know they should feel right at home with each other.
"The pronunciation may be a little different, but the words are the same," he says.
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- Music Bridge:
- Joseph
- Artist: Steven Bernstein
- CD: Diaspora Suite (Tzadik)
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From Cincinnati, OH, 07/26/2012
Come and fellowship with us the Nation of Judah/Tribe of Yehudah-Yahawadah & Israel Now
Presents:The Festivial of Trumpets we are also inviting our christian pastors, prophets and families
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=yhgp8ekab&oeidk=a07e64bk9gjd780e50d
Shalom!
If anyone in your organization would like to participate in the blowing of the shofar or being apart of the program, please email us nationofjudah@yahoo.com
please join us this week on every sunday ( 1st day of the week) @ 6:30 eastern time Israel now blog talk show 1-323-784-3647
our topic this week will be the rapture! Please join in to help our christian brothers and sister who are unconscience of who they are and what is required to become righteous! Shalom
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yahshuah/2012/07/15/israel-now-radio-
From Cincinnati, OH, 07/26/2012
Come and fellowship with us the Nation of Judah/Tribe of Yehudah-Yahawadah & Israel Now
Presents:The Festivial of Trumpets we are also inviting our christian pastors, prophets and families
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=yhgp8ekab&oeidk=a07e64bk9gjd780e50d
Shalom!
If anyone in your organization would like to participate in the blowing of the shofar or being apart of the program, please email us nationofjudah@yahoo.com
please join us this week on every sunday ( 1st day of the week) @ 6:30 eastern time Israel now blog talk show 1-323-784-3647
our topic this week will be the rapture! Please join in to help our christian brothers and sister who are unconscience of who they are and what is required to become righteous! Shalom
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yahshuah/2012/07/15/israel-now-radio-
From ketchikan, AK, 05/16/2012
I am german,scot,american indian,and proud of my jewish roots.I am proud there are black jews.There has always been black jews.So whats the problem? Why is there so much jew envy in the world.
From WI, 03/17/2012
If who the true Hebrew Israelites are were approached strictly from Scripture in Genesis and compared to the historical evidence of mankind minus the lies that have been told for milleniums, Christians would not be able to deny who we are---even from the King James Bible, which was edited by the British to hide the true people of the Book. But churches have not and obviously still do not teach Scripture. They create sermons based on words and passages. They perpetuated a white Messiah even in Black churches. They are deceived with the Truth right there in the Word. This is why so many Blacks do not know who they are. If churches had taught and encouraged them to READ and study the whole Bible, It would not be so difficult today to help them see the Truth and know who they are.
From WI, 03/17/2012
If who the true Hebrew Israelites are were approached strictly from Scripture in Genesis and compared to the historical evidence of mankind minus the lies that have been told for milleniums, Christians would not be able to deny who we are---even from the King James Bible, which was edited by the British to hide the true people of the Book. But churches have not and obviously still do not teach Scripture. They create sermons based on words and passages. They perpetuated a white Messiah even in Black churches. They are deceived with the Truth right there in the Word. This is why so many Blacks do not know who they are. If churches had taught and encouraged them to READ and study the whole Bible, It would not be so difficult today to help them see the Truth and know who they are.
From Brooklyn, NY, 11/21/2011
Hebrew Israelites are not Jews, and we are not Hebrew Israelites. It's pretty insulting that you don't know the difference. Check on FB, look for Black Jews or JOC's (Jews of Color) you'll know who we are.
From k.c., MO, 10/18/2011
It's late and I'm very tired,so very brief... as y'shua said,"Have you not read..."!!! Where was Father Avraham from? It's in any bible. What were those peole like. READ! Why did aharon and miryam get so upset w. moshe for marrying a black woman,G-d made her(miryam) whiter than she was already to chastise her. At some point I'll address "...black from... famine..."; and that Solomons' brothers never made him "...keep sheep... [in]...the sun",or made him do anything else for that matter. He was he favored one!!! The Dead Sea scrolls at least show what true scripture was,and is. Ancient scrolls report the color of king Davids cheeks as a boy,and the color of "...Solomons belly..." and not from embarrassment or fear(as "to wax pale") By the way ,a few Khazars,mainly in the ruling class converted to yehudism. Oy gevalt!!! READ for understanding of the true G-d, not to prove your own agenda. As rav sha'ul would say,"ya'll" STUDY,READ!!! Well did he speak of the acharis hayamim(changing days),wich he was in. ...people twisting scriptures. People have been trying to scare us since forever, but we saw the sea stand up like a wall for us and then come crashing down our enemies!!! Since 1948 arab soldiers that converted to follow the G-d of israEl have reported 30 to 40 ft tall angels on battlefields! anyway,Shalom y'all,y'deedYah Gelsinger-Hueber
From k.c., MO, 10/17/2011
I'm scotch-afro-jewish... All this divisive talk is silly. Read scripture IN CONTEXT!!! for yourself! Study the hebrew language! My ancestors were in slavery for 400 yrs in northern africa (Egypt). When we remember this we forbid ourselves to take any joy in Egypts suffering. I have friends who are red,yellow,black,white and brown(no purple polka dots yet) jews. Jew comes Judah(yehudah) one of ya'acovs' 12 sons,and has historically referred to all tribes of israEl. Y'shua(jezeus) and rav Sha'ul nick-named paul were p'rushim(pharisees) and jews. As gam'liEl said to the Sanhedrin,'beware'"...lest you ...come against G-d." I tremble for some of these arrogant people today, as through history. Y'shua said "Salvation is of the jews." Shalom aleichim v'achim(friends and brothers),y'deedYah gelsinger-hueber
From Albany, NY, 05/16/2011
Would like to know how to get a real Bible other then the King James Bible and where you are located at in Chicago.
From Albany, NY, 05/16/2011
Would like to know how to get a real Bible other then the King James Bible and where you are located at in Chicago.
From San Antonio, TX, 12/22/2010
To be honest.All of you sound like a bunch of nuts. Clearly, you do not understand the basics of Judaism if you do not understand that there were different Messiah's throughout Jewish history. I get disgusted with all the the proselytizing. If you were truly Jewish you would not do that. The half Xians half Jewish services stink too. Clearly, You are all confused.
From Herriman, UT, 12/14/2010
I grew up on the South Side. Sure wish I had met one of you folks back then. Indeed it is ALL of Israel that Messiah Yahoshua (not the greek jes-s) is returning for HE said so. HE stated quite plainly, "I come BUT for Lost sheep of the House of Israel", those native or grafted into the promise. Skin color is of NO significance in HIS eyes. Yahudah is but the "banner tribe" of Israel and the one of which the Messiah came and will return in the form of They and the other 11 tribes make up Israel. There are 12 Gates (read Revelation 22) and we will all know of which tribe we are from upon HIS return in Yerushalayim and pass through one of those gates if we are worthy. Amein.....
From Herriman, UT, 12/14/2010
I grew up on the South Side. Sure wish I had met one of you folks back then. Indeed it is ALL of Israel that Messiah Yahoshua is returning for HE said so. HE stated quite plaining, "I come BUT for Lost sheep of the House of Israel", those native or grafted into the promise. Skin color is of NO significance in HIS eyes. Yahudah is but the "banner tribe" of Israel and the one of which the Messiah came and will return in the form of They and the other 11 tribes make up Israel. There are 12 Gates (read Revelation 22) and we will all know of which tribe we are from upon HIS return in Yerushalayim and pass through one of those gates if we are worthy. Amein.....
From Herriman, UT, 12/14/2010
I grew up on the South Side. Sure wish I had met one of you folks back then. Indeed it is ALL of Israel that Messiah Yahoshua is returning for HE said so. HE stated quite plaining, "I come BUT for Lost sheep of the House of Israel", those native or grafted into the promise. Skin color is of NO significance in HIS eyes. Yahudah is but the "banner tribe" of Israel and the one of which the Messiah came and will return in the form of They and the other 11 tribes make up Israel. There are 12 Gates (read Revelation 22) and we will all know of which tribe we are from upon HIS return in Yerushalayim and pass through one of those gates if we are worthy. Amein.....
From Memphis, TN, 10/28/2010
As a descendant of slaves , I often wondered why has not Jeremiah Chapter 29, Psalms 137, and 127 , Isaiah chapter 3 and chapter 4 never been expounded upon with open and understanding minds?
From Ekron, KY, 10/11/2010
You said it all Cassaundra Gilchrist...we are NOT Jews or any other nationality - WE ARE HEBREWS ISREALITES!!! The people of the Bible, the children of YAH (Psalm 68:4). The Torah is our way of life. Why do we to want to be everything but who we are? Hebrew Isrealites. Return to YAH before your grace period runs out. Read the bible for yourself - beginning to end and see who you are.
From washington, DC, 10/11/2010
Hebrew Israelites are not JEWS in anyway shape form or fashion. We are the children of Almighty YAH. The direct descendants of Abram, Yitsach and Ya'aqob. We are no subset nor are we African or Egyptian. We are HEBREWS. This is the misconception that keeps our family fragmented.
From washington, DC, 10/11/2010
Hebrew Israelites are not JEWS in anyway shape form or fashion. We are the children of Almighty YAH. The direct descendants of Abram, Yitsach and Ya'aqob. We are no subset nor are we African or Egyptian. We are HEBREWS. This is the misconception that keeps our family fragmented.
From san diego, CA, 03/01/2010
I believe im a hebrew israelite we were never called jews we are yahoodee tribe of yahudah(I praise yah) u can't be called by a letter that didn't exist at that time im sure they had a short name for it but I was not there all I know is the house of yacob is sold into all nations scatterd to all for coners of the world yahudah will be on messa(hebrew for opressers) neck so it is us the black american(real israel) who must take the forefront and get back what they stole from us and turn to yahweh we can't look for help from anybody especially not the pres he has no love for us he know his people sold us to the whites they came and captured us for the whites and the arabs to the whites yahoodee is on the west coast of africa under the sudan desert u see they need the people who were brought out of egypt to build there empire we are the same people and when we go home the same will happen here
From Los Angeles, CA, 07/24/2009
As the bible states, israel would be scattered to the four corners of the earth. There are israelites in all countries being oppressed. We know for certain that so-called african americans are the true descendants of the israelites. We fit the prophecies like no other people on earth. Who else do you know of came to america against their will in the millions, forced into slavery, serving our wicked oppressors. We are still serving these wicked oppressors today, in a different form. These people known as europeans or gentiles, have the best opportunities at every aspect of this world. Everyone is against us, as was foretold in the bible. We would be sent to a land that neither we or our ancestors never knew. We would serve fasle gods, gods of the nations. Example, catholicsm, seventh day adventists, buhdists, islam, judaism, jehovah witness, etc. The whole issue of race and skin colour keeps coming up is because indirectly all of the nations know we are YAH's chosen seed, and through us we have to take the message of truth to all of the nations. This is why satan wants to keep our minds and influence towards the ways of the gentiles, as we were to separate from those people, turn back to YAH, and teach them YAH's truth, so they even can recieve salvation. They cannot profess to love YAH and YAHOSHUA, and hate us. We are the apple ofr YAH's eye.
From Los Angeles, CA, 07/24/2009
As the bible states, israel would be scattered to the four corners of the earth. There are israelites in all countries being oppressed. We know for certain that so-called african americans are the true descendants of the israelites. We fit the prophecies like no other people on earth. Who else do you know of came to america against their will in the millions, forced into slavery, serving our wicked oppressors. We are still serving these wicked oppressors today, in a different form. These people known as europeans or gentiles, have the best opportunities at every aspect of this world. Everyone is against us, as was foretold in the bible. We would be sent to a land that neither we or our ancestors never knew. We would serve fasle gods, gods of the nations. Example, catholicsm, seventh day adventists, buhdists, islam, judaism, jehovah witness, etc. The whole issue of race and skin colour keeps coming up is because indirectly all of the nations know we are YAH's chosen seed, and through us we have to take the message of truth to all of the nations. This is why satan wants to keep our minds and influence towards the ways of the gentiles, as we were to separate from those people, turn back to YAH, and teach them YAH's truth, so they even can recieve salvation. They cannot profess to love YAH and YAHOSHUA, and hate us. We are the apple ofr YAH's eye.
From Los Angeles, CA, 07/24/2009
As the bible states, israel would be scattered to the four corners of the earth. There are israelites in all countries being oppressed. We know for certain that so-called african americans are the true descendants of the israelites. We fit the prophecies like no other people on earth. Who else do you know of came to america against their will in the millions, forced into slavery, serving our wicked oppressors. We are still serving these wicked oppressors today, in a different form. These people known as europeans or gentiles, have the best opportunities at every aspect of this world. Everyone is against us, as was foretold in the bible. We would be sent to a land that neither we or our ancestors never knew. We would serve fasle gods, gods of the nations. Example, catholicsm, seventh day adventists, buhdists, islam, judaism, jehovah witness, etc. The whole issue of race and skin colour keeps coming up is because indirectly all of the nations know we are YAH's chosen seed, and through us we have to take the message of truth to all of the nations. This is why satan wants to keep our minds and influence towards the ways of the gentiles, as we were to separate from those people, turn back to YAH, and teach them YAH's truth, so they even can recieve salvation. They cannot profess to love YAH and YAHOSHUA, and hate us. We are the apple ofr YAH's eye.
From san diego, CA, 07/06/2009
Like Paul said in the scriptures, we
only know part of the whole mysteries
of life. King Solomon stated at the end
of his life; learn all that you can now
and you will know even greater of what
seems disproportionately unreal to us.
Knowledge is endless after we pass on to the other side of reality. We have to research and study many different articles and search the truth. Please beware of false prophets that will lead people astray, away from the true self.
From Chicago, IL, 05/16/2009
HalleluYah for the truth and I am worthy because Yah said it. All other nations shall lick the dust of our feet because Yah said it. Yah is the word and the word is Yah.
From Brooklyn3, NY, 02/20/2009
Shalawam
The real Jews are Black and will never wax pale
Are the real Jews in Israel today?
It’s quite amazing how many people are in darkness. Many convert Jew-ish people claimed that Ezekiel chapter was fulfilled. Here is the truth according to the Bible.
The Prophecy has not been fulfilled! The Edomites that mixed among Japheth do not fulfill Ezekiel chapter 37 or Isaiah 14:1-3, you do error not know the scriptures nor the power of Yah. The Scriptures are clear and informs us that in the last days Israelites that many ignorantly refer to as Jews today would be scattered all over the earth not in Israel in the last days, Micah 5: 8] “And the remnant of Jacob(Jacob are the 12 tribes of Israel that the modern world ignorantly refer to as Jews) shall be among the Gentiles( the heathen nations) in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. .” We will not go back to Israel until Yahawashi (Jesus Christ) the one that convert Jews reject returns. The fake converts that call themselves Jews does not fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah, Let’s examine it, Isa.14[1] For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob,( bring salvation to the 12 tribes of Israel) and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them,( the people that are now in Israel calling themselves Jews and Muslims are the strangers that will be our slaves) and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob( each time you read the Torah and call yourself a Jew Esau you cleave to the house of Jacob).[2] And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives,( when the real Jews return to Israel the people that are there now will be our slaves) whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors( the convert Jews that are in Israel has not taken anyone captive that they were slaves to. We were your slaves but when this prophecy is fulfilled you will be our slaves according to the Bible). Even a not so intelligent person should be capable of understanding these prophecy cannot be referring to the Edomites that call themselves Jews. The Prophecy that they fulfill is Ezekiel 35th chapter where they went in and stole the land. Ezekiel 35: 10]” Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, ( this refers to the nation of Israel after we divided and became Judah and Israel, now the so called white man Esau claim he is a Jew)and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there.” When the prophecy is fulfilled the gentiles there will be slaves according to the Bible.
[3] And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, The true Jews according to the King James 1611 Version of the Holy Bible are black. The scriptures clearly describe the Jews of the Bible as having dark skin, or as you may say black skin.
LAMENTATIONS 4:8
"Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick."
The Bible says that the visage of the Jews is "blacker than a coal".
Let's see what this word "visage" means when looked up in a dictionary.
From The Concise Oxford English Dictionary, Tenth Edition:
Visage - poetic/literary a person's face, with reference to the form of the features. A person's facial expression
Now that we see the word visage relates to a person's facial features. If the Jews of the Bible have facial features blacker than a coal, how are they Caucasian? Even more interesting why are their so-called white people referring to themselves as Jews?
LAMENTATIONS 5:10
"Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine."
If the Jews of the Bible have skin "black like an oven", and this alluded to an even dark from sot, how are they Caucasian? Caucasian people do not at any time turn any shade of brown, you turn red. If you bathe in the sun long enough that true shade of red comes out, you cannot turn brown let alone "black like an oven". Caucasians lack melanin to even turn the lightest shade of brown. So now we have a problem. Someone has been lying to the world and it has not been the true Jews but those convert lying Zionist counterfeit Jews
Job was an Israelite. Let's see how he described himself:
JOB 30:30
"My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat."
Job, an Israelite, says that his skin is black upon him. Must I proceed? Okay let’s us continue. Job says "and my bones are burned with heat", that is referring to the affliction that he was going through.
King Solomon, one of the wisest black men to ever walk the face of the earth, and one of the great kings of the nation of Israel, described himself as a black man! Let me guess you want proof?
SONG OF SOLOMON 1:1
"The song of songs, which is Solomon's."
The reason I went to this verse is to show that this is Solomon speaking. The world teaches the lie that this is some concubine or the Queen of Sheba. I challenge anyone to come forth and prove according to Scripture that this is some "concubine" or the "Queen of Sheba" speaking instead of Solomon himself.
SONG OF SOLOMON 1:5
"I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon."
Solomon, a Jew from the tribe of Judah, is describing himself as black! Furthermore, here is the verse in the original ancient Hebrew:
SHAYAR HASHAYARYAM 1:5
"Sha-chaa-war-ha an-ya, wa-na-ah-wah, ban-wath Ya-raw-sha-lam, ka-ah-hal-ya Qa-dar, ka-ya-ra-ya-i-wath Sha-la-mah."
The first part of this verse which reads "Sha-chaa-war-ha an-ya" literally translates to "I am dark skinned"!
Let's look up the meaning of the word for black, "shachar", as used in this verse for proof:
This is the definition of shachar from The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:
7838. Shachar from 7835; prop. dusky, but also (absol.) jetty:--- black
So the word "shachar" means "dusky". Let's look that word up and see what it means:
The definition of the word dusky from The Concise Oxford English Dictionary, Tenth Edition:
dusky - adj. (-ier, -iest) darkish in colour. euphemistic, dated or poetic/literary (of a person) black; dark-skinned.
Thus far brothers and sisters according to the Scriptures:
1. Solomon described himself as black in Song of Solomon 1:5
2. The word "black" as used in Song of Solomon 1:5 in the ancient Hebrew is defined in The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (widely regarded as one of the top concordances of the Bible) as "dusky"
3. The word "dusky" when defined in a dictionary as pertains to a person means dark skinned!
If Solomon, a Jew from the tribe of Judah is describing himself as dark skinned, how could he or any other Jew written of in the Bible be white? Because The Devil is a liar.
This is not racism and if it is don’t' charge me charge Yahawah because those are his word through his messengers. Want to find out more information about the true identity of the so-called African-Americans? Continue to read below!
According to Scripture, the Jews would never be white![/u]
ISAIAH 29:22
"Therefore thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale."
The Bible tells you that Jacob (Israel), the progenitor of the Twelve Tribes of the Nation of Israel, that "neither shall his face now wax pale". "Wax" is Old English which means "to turn". So to "wax pale" means "to turn pale". So if Jacob and his descendants' faces would not "wax pale" which means "turn pale", how can a Caucasian be a Jew?
All Caucasian or so-called white people throughout the planet Earth, whether they call themselves "American", "British", "Spanish", "French", "Jewish/Israeli", "Dutch", "German", etc, are all descendants of Esau, the wicked older brother of Jacob (Genesis 25:25, Malachi 1:1-2, Romans 9:13) You can like that, understand that believe it or not. But the truth will go forth today. I rebuke you in the name of Yahawah through the spirit of Yahawashi.
The tribe of Judah from which the Jews of the Bible descend from are described as black in the Bible!
JEREMIAH 14:2
"Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up."
Jeremiah 14:2 describes the tribe of Judah (the Jews) as being "black unto the ground", which means different shades of brown. When you dig through the soil, it is many different shades of brown, from light brown to dark brown. You find many shades of brown (light brown to dark brown) amongst the so-called African-Americans.
Please visit http://yeldayhaelohim.ning.com now is the time to save the nation of Ysrael (Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans). An extremely informative site for those wanting to live for Yah (God) and learn their history and culture. This is not pushing false doctrines or any religious philosophies, yet instead teach repentance and keeping the laws, statutes and commandments of Yahawah. Be safe and of meek spirit.
Also visit www.lostsheepizrael.org
From PE, 12/29/2008
So called jesus, and the true Hebrew Messiah "YESHUA" are not ONE in the same, the gentiles created jesus, and YHVH Sent us his YESHUA" [SALVATION]
Learn more at
www.authenticjews.com
From Cleveland, OH, 11/30/2008
Praise YAHWEH
From Pittsburgh, PA, 11/09/2008
As a descendant of the tribe of Levi, my forefather was brought here captured and sold as a slave. I as a child often hearing the story past down five generations, and knowing that I'm a Prince of Israel will soon rise to take my throne. It is mandated, soon to come pass by the hand of Hashem..
From Lawrenceville, GA, 10/26/2008
I wish to know if you have a temple in GA?
08/30/2008
There is a proven genetic link between the Kohanim of the Ashkenazim and those of the Sephardi, along with the Lemba of Africa, the Lemba being the product, evidently, of Kohanim who fled the Holy Land and produced children with native women.
From chicago, IL, 04/29/2008
In response to these two comments: The word Jew means of the tribe of Judah (and includes Levi and benjamin as well). So yes Jesus IS a Jew and the term should not be considered darogatory.
By mika'el yahsra'el
04/21/2008
"JESUS" was not a "JEW"
He was a Hebrew.
and
By jack bean
From INGLEWOOD, CA, 04/21/2008
there is no such thing as a black jew. they are and always will be HEBREW ISRAELITES YES, AND THEY'RE ALL BLACKS OR dark skinned people. ThE word JEWS is an errorous term..It is like a diss name toward us,(meaning the ISRAELITES), like negro, colored, afro-this, or african-that.
From atlanta, GA, 04/25/2008
I think that it is a little sad that from the radio story it seems, he could only see the truth in a religion because his race was not included in the story.
I am Indian and Indians are never mentioned in the Bible but I was able to see how God reaches out to me even though there is never a particular instance of God going to India.
It annoys me when they picture Jesus as a blonde haired blue eyed babe, but it would be just as strange if he were brown with curls.
04/22/2008
I'm glad to see people sparring on the true name of the creator, his son and his true people. The son was a shortcut (Like in a MS Windows environment) to the actual application (.exe file, executable). While everyone keeps thinking the shortcut does performs the application, it's the (.exe) that performs that function. All the while, the shortcut keeps telling you "To get to the father, you must click on me."
From philly, PA, 04/22/2008
thats a good think . keep doing gods work.
From CA, 04/21/2008
T. Marcus: Yeah, that's what I said.
From CA, 04/21/2008
>>By T. Marcus
From Fairfax, VA, 04/21/2008
J.R. LeMar, you have your facts wrong the Bible at that time was used to enslave the Africans. It was not used to free them or to enlighten them about the L_rd. It was used to make them understand why they were slaves and they were not allowed to read it and also was not allowed to marry. (Which is a sinful state)
From INGLEWOOD, CA, 04/21/2008
(Mrs).Berman sorry your married.
From INGLEWOOD, CA, 04/21/2008
ms.berman you are either a HEBREW ISRAELITES or a gentile. it is as simple as that... in the word you will see there was foreigners who dwell at times, and they follow the faith of the ISRAELITES,BUT they were NOT ISRAELITES. and they knew that.. There isn't a "Jj" letter in HEBREW. YOU will also see in the word that Abraham has a baby by an Ethiopian woman and that child was rejected as being a chosen one because mother was an ethiopan. YOu will also see in the word, that was indeed Solomon sin, Having sexual relation with women that was not Israelites, for these women will get you to follow their gods and believe system.
From NJ, 04/21/2008
JACK BEAN what do you mean there are no black Jews? Did you forget about the Jewish people from Ethiopia? The ones forced into slavery and forbidden to follow the teachings of the Torah! Some may be the lost Israelite tribe of Dan; they may be descendants of Menelik I, son of King Solomon and Queen Sheba, they may be descendants of Ethiopian Christians and pagans who converted to Judaism centuries ago, and they may be descendants of Jews who fled Israel for Egypt after the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE and eventually settled in Ethiopia; BUT they are Black Jews! There are many Black Jews that are not "Hebrews".
There are also many followers of the old testament from various backgrounds for various reasons, faith, tradition, finding what works for them.
From Fairfax, VA, 04/21/2008
J.R. LeMar, you have your facts wrong the Bible at that time was used to enslave the Africans. It was not used to free them or to enlighten them about the L_rd. It was used to make them understand why they were slaves and they were not allowed to read it and also was not allowed to marry. (Which is a sinful state) There are African Hebrews and the L_rd knows who they are and unfortunately mean spirited people that want to keep the slave mind going will always talk nonsense like you. There are also now Christian-Jews. The Bible is about G_d not colour and until you learn that your soul will never ever be free. We are taught by true Judaism to bow only to the one True Living G_d. G_d and Christ frees...man enslaves.
From INGLEWOOD, CA, 04/21/2008
Houseofyisrael.org...... read for yourself
From INGLEWOOD, CA, 04/21/2008
there is no such thing as a black jew. they are and always will be HEBREW ISRAELITES YES, AND THEY'RE ALL BLACKS OR dark skinned people. ThE word JEWS is an errorous term..It is like a diss name toward us,(meaning the ISRAELITES), like negro, colored, afro-this, or african-that. I would not expect thE white people in the USA,or in the world as amatter of fact TO TELL ME THE TRUTH ABOUT MY HISTORY.They are Gentiles with no tiesto this truth whatsoever. we never need to go them for eduaction on our belief. it was and always will be one ELOHIM (GOD) TO TALKING TO US. The laws,statute,commandments,and judgements was giving to his prophets, to shared it with the children of Israel ONLY.. YEAH WE NEED NOT GO TO THE THE GENTILES, BECAUSE THE WORLDS TURN , THE GENTILES WILL COME TO US. sidebar: all HEBREW ISRAELITES ARE MANY DIFFERNT SHADES OF BLACK, BUT not all black are NEBREW ISRAELITES.. SHALOM
04/21/2008
ISHA GREEN.
The New Testament does not tell us to pray to Jesus. It tells us to pray to the Father, in the name of Jesus. Your prayer is not to Jesus but to the ONE who sent him.
04/21/2008
"JESUS" was not a "JEW"
He was a Hebrew. HE followed the laws of the Torah. Including pasach(passover,) which he did the last time in what christians commonly refer to as the last supper.
People, please do some research on the words you use. The letter "J" is not a Hebrew letter. THe creater has a proper name and it is not "GOD".
Before you all get on here and comment and instruct and make claims like you know everything, learn some basics and background about the religion you defend. I do not by any means claim to be an expert, and I am humble enough to know that I learn something new every day.
I reccomend two books. "Come out of her my people." and "Fossilized customs."
04/21/2008
What is a black Jew? If he is a HEBREW, he is not a jew. The people of tha Tanak were not jews. The word jew did not even exist. THey were Hebrews. The Yahudim. Jews are of European descent. Blacks who practise Judaism are not the same as Hebrew Israelites. This article might paint a clear pricure of this particular congregation, but it by no means correctly depicts scriptural history or the Hebrew Israelite culture.
From conroe, TX, 04/20/2008
story
From Boston, MA, 04/20/2008
I am white man who was born into Judaism and Bar Mitzvahed. I turned away from organized religion in my mid teens after the rabbi I grew up with retired. The replacement rabbi had passion, and perhaps even charisma, but he did not project wisdom. I felt my synagogue had lost its direction. My wife and I are now expecting our first child and we want to find a new congregation so that we may provide our child with a religious education as well as a secular education. I wish that Temple Beth Shalom was here in Boston, as Rabbi Funnye sounds like the kind of inspirational religious leader that would draw me back to organized religion. Bravo on a wonderful piece about this leader and his congregation who seem to have truly discovered spirituality.
From NJ, 04/20/2008
First and foremost, Isha Green qouted form Matthew.... the book of Matthew doesn't not even exist in the Jewish faith. Matthew is from the new books and is NOT followed by Jews at all. Second, their are blacks Jews. It depends on where the people of Egypt settled after their fled from the Pharoh. Egypt being in Africa... draw it up.... My family fled to European countries while others settled in China, other African countried that were safe like Morocco.... As far as Rabbi Capers Funnye, I can't speak for him, I can only assume that he found a faith that he could believe in and others did as well. There are truly African Jews that have settled around the country who have followed as they were raised and taught through their traditions. As any Jew will know, its all about tradtion and keep them alive.
From Milwaukee, WI, 04/20/2008
Rabbi Funnye is so right, "Judaism allows a person to be as intellectual as they can possibly be, and still hold on to all the faith in the world." Judaism allows one to think and learn endlessly, while in Christianity one's reasoning is being resticted one is always walking in a tight robe - reason and faith in constant conflict. Here, the inquisitive mind is the key. If someone really inquires into Judaism, as Rabbi Funnye did long ago, one will see the light, the beauty of Judaism.
From Parts Unknown, YT, 04/19/2008
Earth is the planet We All inhabit.
Labels are sewn onto our jeans that
we are conditioned to wear.........
.
.
.......What type of Nike's are You"
From NYC, NY, 04/19/2008
Saying "Black Jew" is like saying Black African American. The so-called Jews were and are Black. Being a Jew doesn't belong to those white people who call themselves Jews. They are converts from the Khazar Empire. We were born Jews. This is why the slave masters didn't want us to speak any of our native languages or read the Bible. The Bible was authored by and about so-called Black people.
From Parts Unknown, YT, 04/19/2008
America lost in translations...................
America the Free, Historically speaking........
is it DNA that defines the colors of our souls?
04/19/2008
I feel that this so man embarked on something when wanting to accept the Jewish Way. I am not sure if he found it or not I have not heard him minister. But I will say this to all people. Jesus was a Jew, As it says in Matthew, He came to save his people. So if you want to be close to GOD, you need to know and obey the teachings of His Son. If you believe that Jesus died and arose and is truly the Son of GOD. The scriptures clearly states that there is no other way to Him but by His Son. That is why we pray to Jesus. He is the Mediator Between God and Man. The Scriptures teach us the life that Jesus taught, if we want to get to Heaven. How your actions should be here on earth. Without Him you will never know GOD. The Scriptures clearly states, He who hath the Son hath the Father. Obey the teachings of Jesus. The Hebrew Jesus. The Jew. His people were Jewish and He lived Jewish.
Refer to Matthew 3:17
And Lo,came a voice from Heaven, saying, This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
You will never get to GOD without going through His Son. Obey His Son, Follow Jesus Teachings
Thanks
04/19/2008
I feel that this so man embarked n something when wanting to accept the Jewish Way. I am not sureif he found it or not I have not heard him minister. But I will say this to all people. Jesus was a Jew, As it says in Matthew, He came to save his people.So if you want to Be close to GOD, you need to know and obey the teachings of His Son. If you believe that Jesus died and arose and is truly the Son of GOD. The scriptures clearly states that there is no other way to Him but b His Son. That is why we pray to Jesus. He is the Mediator Between God and Man. The Scriptures teach us the life that Jesus wants us to live. Without Him you will never know GOD. The Scriptures clearly states, He who hah the Son hath the Father. Obey the teachings of Jesus. The Hebrew Jesus. The Jew. His peolple were Jewish and He lived Jewish. Thanks
From Manchester, WY, 04/19/2008
The ridiculousness in all this is that the person christians claim to follow Jesus or specifically Yahushuah was not christian at all. He was a torah practising Jew that came to include gentiles in the israelite covenant so that they too could become israelites. The pharasee's or as they are called today orthodox rabbi's are the same people that distorted the torah and added false traditions like the oral torah, midrash and mishnanh. It is saddening to see black people trying to adopt this side of religion instead of following the torah like the son of man yahushuah wanted us to. I respect Karaite jews and Natsarim jews because they push for a more purer textual religion instead of man made laws.
From CA, 04/19/2008
"I don't understand how blacks who have historically believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior."
Blacks have not "historically" believed in Jesus Christ until the African slave trade was established & they were forcibly converted to Christianity by their new White slavemasters.
04/19/2008
I don't understand how blacks who have historically believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. To be a Jew you must deny Christ as your Lord and Savior....so they walk the fence with one foot on one side and the other on the other side....nope....
04/19/2008
I guess I can sort of understand how they would want to be Jews because when you think about it Jesus was a Jew but by him bringing upon the Jews the Holy Ghost Spirit they themselves became Christians, which is what the Christians are all about...worshiping God and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost so that their name may be written in the Book of Life. There's no other way to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven besides that way. There's only One Way to God.
From Atlanta, GA, 04/19/2008
Thank you all so very much for this article, as an African American man I am pleased to read such inspiring and hopeful news. Rabbi Capers Funnye is absolutely correct the words are the same. Christianity is a step shy of Judaism, but the priniples are basically the same. I've been searching spiritually for something like this, and I hope they expand down to Atlanta. The Old Testament Rocks! Love it.
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