Uganda's "Lost Orthodox Jews"

The Jews of Putti village set up on their own a few years ago because the Abayudaya community of eastern Uganda was not Orthodox enough for them.

Menorahs in the mist: Uganda's lost Jews
By Simon Rocker • Jewish Chronicle

When Ros Eisen planned a trip to see the rare mountain gorillas of Uganda, little did she know that it would turn into a one-woman aid mission to one of the world's most remote Jewish communities.

The Jews of Putti village set up on their own a few years ago because the Abayudaya community of eastern Uganda was not Orthodox enough.

Ms Eisen, a retired businesswoman from Belsize Park, north-west London, wanted to spend a few extra days in Uganda at the end of her safari. "I starting fiddling on Google and found the Putti Jews - I knew absolutely nothing about them," she said.

She emailed Putti spiritual leader, Enosh Keki Mainah, before leaving home and arranged to visit.

But when she reached the village after a 45-minute dirt track drive from her hotel, she knew she had to do something to help.

The children wore torn clothes and had no shoes; for many, a kitchen was a handful of tin pots in the corner of a hut. Since they had no mezuzot, they marked their houses by carving menorahs on their doors.

Their bare synagogue had no furniture, save for a simple ark, a table serving as a bimah and just two chairs for the elderly.

"They eat twice a day if they have enough food and once a day if they don't," Ms Eisen said.

But she was struck by their irrepressible faith and the spirit of their leader. "He is a charismatic young man of 35 who's got the shoulders of a 65-year-old to support their burdens," Ms Eisen said. "He has such passion in his faith that no goal seems unachievable to him with God's will."

He speaks and reads Hebrew- though he did not have money to complete his Jewish studies in Nairobi – and composes religious songs for the children to sing.

"They want to be recognised as Orthodox and are prepared to do whatever it takes," she said.

"They need further religious instruction to know about kosher slaughtering and other rituals."

The Putti established religious independence from the Abayudaya 10 years ago.

The Abayudaya were founded in 1919 by a military chieftain Semei Kakangulu, who broke away from the Christianity spread by British missionaries and set up a group which adopted the teachings of the Hebrew Bible.

In recent years, the 1,000-strong community have received support from American Jewry, particularly from the Conservative movement.

According to Ms Eisen, there is even a small Liberal synagogue among them now. But the Putti, who number around 100 adults and 100 children, are committed to an Orthodox lifestyle.

During her six days in the area, Ms Eisen bought shoes for the children, mosquito nets and hens to start an egg business. The new manager of the egg-laying project is Moshe, a carpenter and welder who has struggled to find jobs because he will not work on Shabbat or festivals.

With life hard enough as it is, why add to the hardship by being Jewish, Ms Eisen asked one young man. "Why don't you go with the Christian flow and get missionary aid, I said. He replied, 'Why do I need to speak to God through Jesus when I can speak to him direct?."

Comments

[Menachem Mendel lll]

Wonderful story.

Thank you.

[Radical Feminist]

I wonder if we can help them make Aliyah. The most logical thing to do is to get a group of Rabbis to go down to the area and teach, convert ect so that they are eligible for Aliyah. I don't see why this should be a problem since they have agreed to be Orthodox in many cases.

[Alter Kocker]

May Hashem bless them.
This is one of the few times that we hear of true faith. Faith in the face of adversity without reservation and with the true desire to deepen their commitment to Judaism.

I doubt there is that level of true faith in Boro Park or Mea Shearim. I doubt that these people would set a garbage bin ablaze in protest.

I nominate to Putti for the title of Authentic Jews; more authentic than the Chareidim or the Hadisim.

[Radical Feminist]

Okay FM folks what can we do to bring these Yidden homes? Let's get ORGANIZED.

[Helping]

The worst thing for them would be the influx of Chabad or some other cult. Can someone find out how to make donations to them of not just money but other articles as well.

[jancsibacsi]

so can anyone explain to me how they are jewish just by saying and keeping shabbat are they decendants of jews?please someone explain it to me

[emes yid]

THAT'S IT! we need to form a group to go down there before the Schneersians get to them and full/fool them with their schneersianity BULL SH*T. I am serious. I will be the first to sign up. we need to stick together.....

1)Emes Yid
2)......

[Rubashkin supporter]

They are not the only African tribes claiming to be Jews, there are tribes in Nigeria, Ghana,Mali and other African countries claiming they are Jews.

[Radical Feminist]

jancsibacsi writes "so can anyone explain to me how they are jewish just by saying and keeping shabbat are they decendants of jews?please someone explain it to meso can anyone explain to me how they are jewish just by saying and keeping shabbat are they decendants of jews?please someone explain it to me".

They are willing to learn and convert Orthodox they have proven that they are sincere by the sacrifices they have made in order to live as Jews. Therefore, it would seem our obligation to help them and bring them home and make conversion available to them. In fact, they have sacrificed more to live as Jews then most gereme and most Jews for that matter. I can think of NO EXCUSE not to teach and convert them, and bring them to Israel, other then blatant racism.

Given Chabad's history of discrimination. I doubt they will be clamoring to go to Uganda to convert these people.

[Radical Feminist]

2. RF
Ps don't forget when you convert them to bring plenty of blank Ketubahs...you know why.

[Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel]

"Given Chabad's history of discrimination"

[Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel]

"Given Chabad's history of discrimination"

[Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel]

"Given Chabad's history of discrimination"

[Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel]

"Given Chabad's history of discrimination"

[EJ]

Not Orthodoxc? Are you kidding?

They broke away because the rest of the community wasn't frum enough -- how much more Orthodox can you get?

[Gladys]

Thanks, jancsibacsi. In a nutshell.

What on earth does a belief -- apparently a sincere belief -- that the teachings of Judaism are cosmically "right" have to do with being a Jew?

"Jewishness" is racial, tribal, blood-borne.

"Judaism" is a belief.

If the Africans are not members of Klal Y'Isroel, and they want to "get right with God" (as the Christians say) they can believe and practice Judaism as bnei noach by following the Noachide Laws.

No offense, but y'all are thinking like Christians and not like Jews: "if you believe what we believe then you are automatically one of us!"

Look, I don't know why God picked the Jews, but he did. If y'all are uncomfortable that He did and wish that everyone who wants to wear a kippot and throttle a chicken was also chosen, then for heaven's sake, just make up some new religion and invite EVERYBODY in. Heck, that's what the followers of Jesus did!

[Man! This "belief"-based stuff is like some sort of infectious creeping Protestantism. Y'all really need to make aliyah before you are too far gone.]

[Nobody]

"

Not Orthodoxc? Are you kidding?

They broke away because the rest of the community wasn't frum enough -- how much more Orthodox can you get?

Posted by: EJ | August 20, 2010 at 12:59 PM "

Heheheh

[Crown Heights Resident]

Bugsy post a photo of the one black Chabad family who converted. They are Messianists to boot. Nice family mind you. There is indeed racism in Chabad. I have seen and heard it first hand.

[Crown Heights Resident]

Many Racists. Not everyone mind you.

[kathiego]

They are willing to convert to Orthodox - let them and help them. There is no reason to deny them. They are sincere. I think this is a wonderful story.

[anuran]

They deserve our whole-hearted support. If they're that sincere about being Jews it's the least we can do.

[Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegell]

There
is indeed racism in Chabad. I have seen and heard it first hand.
Sholom
Rubashkin ran meth lab in in his Postville Plant

[Dr. Dave]

But how many yichus bearing FFB, non BT, Anash claiming, chabadnicks would marry a convert of any sort, let alone an African-American convert?

[Shmarya]

But how many yichus bearing FFB, non BT, Anash claiming, chabadnicks would marry a convert of any sort, let alone an African-American convert?

Pretty close to zero.

[ユダヤ人]

Dr. Dave,

Just Curios, what is the Average age of Gentiles who convert to ORTHODOX Judiasim?

Also how long is the process to get converted to Orthodox Judiasim?

[Radical Feminist]

No racism in Chabad? hmmmmmmmm
seems Shmarya could educate you about that. did you read his Bio?

[danny]

Radical Feminist... why should Aliyah be forced on them or even encouraged? Why can't there be Jewish communities all over the world?

I think it is a tragedy that places like Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Morocco, etc. have been left mostly devoid of Jews. These countries had very rich traditions and institutions. The forced immigration and settlement had many negative consequences. Why can't there be Jews in Galut and in Israel?

I don't understand the logic of concentrating all Jews from everywhere into one small country. What for? Any answers involving "Messiah" will be summarily laughed at.

[kisarita]

I do not support financial aid in any form to African communities just because they happen to want to convert to Judaism. There are no shortage of poor African communities.

Judaism and conversion should never be linked to financial rewards.

Group, communal conversion should also be discouraged.

It is not necessary to be Jewish to pray directly to god, either.

The naivete of the great white Jewish savior is just as astounding, as I describe in my article:

See my article
http://kisaritaarticles.blogspot.com/2009/09/african-judaism-in-context.html?zx=e9b8458ab0203439

[kisarita]

Excuse me, see this link African Jews in context

[Menachem Mendel lll]

Here's how it works in the real world.

If our Haradi bothers and sisters can't find a way to squeeze money out of these poor defenseless Orthodox Jews from Uganda then they are not considered "real" Jews regardless of what they claim, say or do.

"Real Jews" have pockets lined with money and often fall victim to Haradi scams (especially tourists travelling to Israel) and not the other way around.

When the Moschiach comes he will sort it all out. In the meantime our Jewish brothers and sisters can rot in Africa because they are not welcome in a Haradi's neighbourhood.

SHOW ME THE MONEY!
-Jerry Maguire

[kisarita]

Quite the opposite. A group of African tribes are not entitled to our aide any more than other Africans just because they decide they are our brothers and sisters.

"Real Jews" have pockets lined with money?

that is certainly becoming the public perception of Jews, at least in Africa. Jews, and all other westerners. Which compared to most AFricans is true.

[kisarita]

...And THAT's how it works in the real world.

BTW to the idiot who posted all those pics of African American Jews as if to prove that there is no racism in the community, well those smiling jews in the pic will be the first to tell you of stomach turning racism they have experienced.

[lingin]

Per Gladys - "Jewishness" is racial, tribal, blood-borne.

Gladys, you do realize that you've justified what the Nazis said and did?

(And yes, I know I've just invoked Godwin's Law).

[Menachem Mendel lll]

@ Kisarita

Re: those smiling jews in the pic will be the first to tell you of stomach turning racism they have experienced.

I agree with you!

You missed my point perhaps because it was written in "proper" Yiddish Style scarcasm, irony and bitting negativism.

[Menachem Mendel lll]

Here's how it works in the real world.
Part Deux.

An article by Cnaan Liphshiz in Haaretz discusses "Chinese Jews" arriving to the holy land of Eretz Yirsooel.

The article did not mention that perhaps they are descendants of hot prostitutes that were servicing Japanese soliders during the invasion of Manchuria in 1931 or that they certified Kosher because we "real yidden" adore Chinese fress, the Chinese government let Jews into China during WWll so we owe them and because Woody Allen and Maury Povitch married oriental hotties so they are welcome to stay & daven at the Ari's kaver.

But when it comes to Black from Uganda or Shvartzes (not a racist term) we here everything from the so called "N" word to the Moschiach will decide if they are Jewish but until then....screw you and no way they are welcome in my backyard.

Perhaps if Simcha Jacobovici aka "the Naked Archaeologist" makes a movie about them or if they arrive on their own to Isreal each wearing a Platinum Rolex Day Date and pockets full of South African gold Kruggerands they would be stamped with the COR Good Housekeeeping Seal Of Approval.

[anuran]

MM, Nigger isn't a racist term, either. Back in the day everyone in the South used it. It was a cultural thing. But some of the uppity ones took offense.

[Secular Jew Mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel]

RE: @ KisaritaRe: those smiling jews in the pic will be the first to tell you of stomach turning racism they have experienced.
I agree with you!
One of the couples “smiling jews” in these Photos happens to be prominent
Chabad Shalich and Principal or in Haredi language (MENAHEL) of a
prominent Chabad School, we hope your own ugly racism blows away with the wind
together with your Lies that you just made
up on these great individuals, as you have not posted an event or posted an
exhibit how these HAREDIM in the photos had a racist event ever occurred, so
your Bullshit can be sold elsewhere:

Yosef Robinson Zeher Tzadik L, VRaha

Ahuvah
Gray is a prominent speaker at many Chabad Events
She
lives in very Haredi neighborhood in Jerusalem.

[Radical Feminist]

Danny wrote "Radical Feminist... why should Aliyah be forced on them or even encouraged? Why can't there be Jewish communities all over the world?"

Did you even read the article? they live in hell in abject poverty and discrimination in Africa under horrible conditions of poverty and neglect. You live there.

[Radical Feminist]

Since there is no racism at all in Chabad, how nice, then how come the Black converts are not encouraged to marry anyone else in Chabad? Seems they are all married to other nice Black Jews. where is the integration? Aren't they all just as Jewish as every other Jew in Chabad? Uh maybe because they are still outsiders.

[Secular Jew Mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel]

then how come the Black converts are not encouraged to marry anyone else in Chabad?

No one is ENCOURAGED to marry anyone, people marry who they what to marry.

Seems they are all married to other nice Black Jews. where is the integration?

WRONG one of the pictures is Chabad Girl caucasion married to an African American Chabad male, look above the photos above and there are some more Chabad families from Crown heights and outside of crown heights who are Caucasian or Sephardi who married other Chabad African American and Latin chabad folks, I do not have permission to post their Facebook photos, we have ethics. the photos that are posted are public website photos.

[Radical Feminist]

She is either a convert or they married and then converted together I would assume.
Do you know any black converts? I do.
They are treated like dirt. I have a friend in Jerusalem who was called a "Kushi", everyday and and she is not from Ethiopia. She from Brooklyn. She was so depressed she attempted suicide once. And the only thing the idiot frumies did was tell her Jews don't commit suicide.so therefore she was not frum enough.

[Secular Jew Mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel]

She is either a convert or they married and then converted together I would assume

NO she is not a convert she comes from a very nice Chabad family and grew up chabad from birth, the reason why you think she is a convert is, you would have such a disgusting racist mind is cause you yourself suffer from being a racist.

Also please apologize to this beautiful couple.

Was there any mention of Yosef Robinson death on this blog? NO because black haredim on this blog suffer double hatred
1. Haredi
2. black.

[kisarita]

Radical Feminist-
Almost all of Africa is poor. Almost all of them are dying to get out of Africa. Are you rushing to evacuate all of Africa to Israel? You know pretty soon you're going to have too. Pretty soon all of Africa is going to be jumping on the bandwagon, converting to Judaism.

Is this community somehow poorer than other African communities? Why single them out for Aliyah? Or financial aid? Just because they want to be Jewish?

From whence the sense of kinship you feel with them? Kinship? They aren't kin to you. History? Culture? No commonalities.
Belief? I can tell you one thing, they don't sound like radical feminists.

[Shmarya]

Was there any mention of Yosef Robinson death on this blog? NO because black haredim on this blog suffer double hatred
1. Haredi
2. black.

Please.

Did I cover the car accident that killed 7 haredim a couple weeks ago?

No.

Were these haredim black?

No.

I generally do not cover accidents, murders, etc., unless there is something unique about them.

I don't happen to think that a black Jew who is murdered automatically warrants special coverage because of the color of his skin.

Of course, you – Dr. Moe, masquerading as someone else because you are so very dishonest – think otherwise.

And you are the same Dr. Moe who called Ethiopian Jews disgusting racist names.

[PishPosh]

No converting them. Bring them up to date on hour history but dont let the rabbis touch them.

As a nice Jewish kid once said.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are."

Now if htat dont sound like our Venerable Sages of the conversion courts I dont know what does.

If you think that Yeshua Hanotzri didnt know what hyprocritical stinkers these conversion courts were then your not reading between the line

[Menachem Mendel lll]

@ Secular Jew Mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel

The white Jewish woman must be the
"Blacksheep" in her family.

It is uplifting to see there are people like her out there but they are exception to the rule. As much as it pains me to say this, they are nothing more than a photo op for blogs, organizations & publications.

With no disrepect I have seen, witnessed and live in a very "religous" area that runs the gamit from Chabadniks to Bobovers and everything in between . One thing they all share in common is gossip and research when it comes to shidahs.

If the Hofetz Chaim was alive to hear it he would Hari Kari no questions asked.

As you know they want to find out how many generations back the other family became frum. Similar to the way the Germans went back 4 generations rooting out Jewish bloodlines in 3rd generation christian germans.(We will not discuss family money, real estate holdings, T Bills etc).
As far as Bal Tzuvahs go they are accepting, warm and welcoming but best if they marry into someone elses family.

The Black As Coal Jew doesn't have a chance in Hell or Gan Eyden with these guys. They will talk and talk literally until the Moschiach comes but that's as far as "intermarrage" is concerned.

Bottom line: You are welcome and we love you dearly and accept you as our brother provided you do not marry MY sister.

[chabadnik attorney]

Rob Wisler, BTW I did respond to your comment to me on the draft dodger thread. Also, I just wanted to mention that one of your comments was very thought provoking. You made a sarcastic remark about Chabad being about Chachmah, Binah and Daas. I been thinking about that and applying your observation to some scenarios (for lack of a better word.) I totally agree with you that many in Chabad have become completely emotionally driven and are not guided at all by logic and reason. Its like a whole group of Na Nachs and its ridiculous. But, don't sweep us all under the carpet. There is a slow but sure movement to get back to basics and focus on Hashem and Torah and not all this Rebbe as King Moshiach nonsense.

[ZVI]

MOST IN CHABAD DO A WONDERFUL JOB IN BRINGING YIDDISHKEIT TO JEWS IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD. HELPING JEWS IN UGANDA BLACK OR WHITE IS ALSO A GREAT MITZVAH AND IF THESE PEOPLE WANT TO BE JEWS SO STRONGLY THEN WE SHOULD HELP THEM. AS FAR AS BLACK JEWS COMING TO MY CONGREGATION THEY ARE ACCEPTED AND TREATED LIKE EVERYONE ELSE . I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT MARRIAGE AS THAT HAS NEVER COME UP BUT I SEE NO DIFFICULTY IF THEY ARE HALACHICALLY JEWISH

[David]

www.thejewsofuganda.org

We are a non profit that works to aid the Jews in Putti. Please check it out.