Falasha village

MAY 4—Judaism has a long history in Ethiopia. It reaches far back as the time of King Solomon in Israel, who was famously visited by none other than the Queen of Sheba. Their child was named Menelik. The former monarchy of Ethiopia traced their lineage all the way back to him.

Early traders also introduced Jewish practices into the country, and in the early Middle Ages a Judaistic tribe led by Queen Yodit, the “fire lady,” took political control of the country. They remained a significant factor for centuries, although their influence declined.

In recent centuries the “Falasha” were considered outcast. Still, they continued to observe an ancient form of Judaism, which took on a great deal of local character as well. They are not Jewish by blood or DNA; they were early converts and faithful practitioners.

In the 1980s Israel recognized the persecuted Falasha of Ethiopia as Jews and mounted Operation Moses, bringing thousands to live in Israel. Today there are virtually none left in the country. But their arts and crafts survive, manufactured and peddled to tourists like us by their nearest former neighbours.