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HISTORY OF JUDAISM IN MANIPUR

By Rav David Lhungdim

Christianity missionaries came to both Manipur and Mizoram in 1894 and eventually reached the southern District of Manipur, William Pettigrew of the Baptist Mission was the first to set foot in North East India, sponsored by the American Baptist Union, W. Pettigrew together with Dr. Crozier, work together in the North and North East of Manipur. In the south, Watkins Robert of the Welsh Presbytery mission organized the Indo-Burma Kuki Pioneer mission in 1913. by later on he was followed by various Missionary, within a short period of time almost all the hill people of Manipur and Mizoram were converted to Christianity, deserting their forefathers laws, customs and traditions. As a result tribal priest began to lost their status and the new generation lost their traditional believed, and at the same time they were taught that the Old Testament was superseded by the New Testament.

Consequently, the former culture and tradition, which had been handed down from generation to generation, lost its credibility and sanctity. With the coming of the Christianity, our people had totally forgotten their forefather customs and traditions in favor of Western culture, and gradually the traditions of our forefathers receded into a hazy memory, recollected only in boast about the prowess of our ancestors as fierce hunters and warrior.

But the popularity of Christians  faith in the North East India began to give the Benei Menashe a new dimension of hope to reclaim their true identity, with the Bible they got from the Christian Missionary, thus many of the Benei Menashe began to doubts the authenticity of the Christian faiths, such as transferring the day of rest from Shabbat to Sunday, and the observance of festivals such as Pesakh, Shavuoth and Succoth with the festivals which are not written in the Bible such as Christmas, Good Friday etc.

So, among the Benei Menashe arise groups of people who prefer to observe laws which are written in the Bible, such as observance of Shabbat, and festivals and some of them began to practice circumcision, thus arise among them sects such as observance of Kosher and non -Kosher animals, the interest in observance of Shabbat as a day of rest grew deeper and deeper day by day, and they persuaded many people about these matters, so that within a short period of time a substantial number of people had begun to observe Shabbat (Saturday) as a day of rest rather than Sunday, soon there were a number of different organization functioning in the whole of North East India around 1960-1970 observing the Shabbat instead of Sunday, although each of these groups retain their faith in Jesus, or Yahshua as some of them called him, as Messiah the Savior. These groups are known as: 1. Church of G-d, 2. Family of Elohim, 3 Messianic.

With the enthusiasm to find the truth, some came across the name Menashe in the Bible, they were stunt to see the Name Menashe in the Bible, because they called and identified themselves sons of Manmashi from their forefathers times which is strikingly similar, and the deeper they searched they found many laws and customs of their forefather written in the Bible, which they had rejected in favor of Christianity.

On the 31st may 1972 “Manipur Jews Organisation” was founded, however the members maintain their essentially Christian beliefs, and on the 10th October 1974 United Jews of North East India (UJNEI) was formed, which sought to unite the various observing Judaic groups.

Thus many began to think that the Tribes of Manmashi (Kuki, Chin, Mizo) must have been from the Tribes of Menashe one of the Lost Tribes of Israel, although there have been much debate in this matters, till date, there have not been any systematic research work done on its apart from the study done by the pioneers of the theory in early 1963 by Mr. Thangkholun Daniel Lhungdim and his associates. And they subsequently published a book “Israel Ihiuve” (We are Israel) in 1974.

T. Daniel Lhungdim, a thinker and poeter was the Head Master of Gandhi Memorial High School in Molnom, Churachandpur Manipur, his thirst and enthusiasm to find the root of Menashe led him to discover Judaism, probably he was the first to bring Judaism in North East India, among the Manmashi tribe, (Kuki, Chin, Mizo) but his deep research regarding the tribes of Menashe and Judaism led to controversy among his kinsmen, as a result he was force to leave his resident, unable to withstand the trial and tribulation he faced from his own relatives, he resign himself from his service, with nowhere to console his deep sorrow, he went to reside at the residence of David Jamkhosem Lhungdim in 1968, who was then the chief of Gelmol village in Churachandpur, but fate was with him, since the Chief of Gelmol who was a companion of T. Daniel rise his spirit by encouraging him to continue his research and even ready to sponsor him on his Research program. So T. Daniel Lhungdim was again able to visit Calcutta and Bombay library in 1969 and on 13/12/1973 with the help David Jamsem Lhungdim, but due to controversy arising between the two religions, Christian and Judaism, J. David Lhungdim passed on his chieftainship to his younger brother Shonkhai Lhungdim on 15th oct 1971.

For detail of the years, on T.Daniel research trip to Calcutta and Mumbai library see chart on page (  ).

On his research tour to Mumbai in 1973, T Daniel was accompanied by Israel Ginjamung Suantak, there they met  Esther Caustil family, Caustil family was the first to take real interest on the issue of the Benei Menashe community, it is thanks to Esther Caustil Family care and enthusiasm, Judaism began to take its root in Manipur and later on in Mizoram.

T.Daniel returned with three messages namely

1. Judaism is the Religion of Jews,

2. Circumcision is essentials for Jews,

3. Jesus is not recognized as the Messiakh.

This research trip to Mumbai and Calcutta led the organization, United Jews of North East India to split into two, since some accept the message brought by T. Daniel, while other find difficult to part with the Believe in Jesus/Yahshua as their savior. From then on T. Daniel had direct correspondent with the Caustil Family and Rabbi Efraim Eliezri who was the Chief Rabbi of the Orthodox Congregation of India and also with the institute of ORT Bombay, through this correspondents the Benei Menashe  community were able to send eligible  youngsters to learn in ORT Mumbai professional courses and Judaism.

On 1974 April, T. Daniel lhungdim with his colleague published the first book entitle “Israel Ihiuve” ( we are Israelites ) namely they are 1. T. Daniel lhungdim, 2. Sumthang Shemuel Haokip, 3. Joseph Jangkhothang Hanghal, 4. V.L Benjamin, 5.Jamso Avraham Lhungdim.

In his books T. Daniel brings proof on his theory that The Kuki, Chin, Mizo are the descendants of Menashe son of Yosef. But his research was mix with some New Testament sources, in order to safeguards upheavals among the Menashe tribes, as Holkholun lhungdim President of Kuki Inpi churachandpur testifies in the Magazine. (BMC souvenir 25th Anniversary foundation of Judaism North East India 18th Dec 2001) Holkholun Lhungdim writes my inclusion of the theory in my Dissertation/Thesis for the Master of Philosophy-Doctor of Philosophy (M.Phil/Ph.D) Program at the center for social studies systems in Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi) in 1984 under the title “Kuki Culture and Origin and chaptered Israel/Jewish theory of our origin. Interestingly when supporters of the theory present their finding, people suspect them (T. Daniel and his colleagues) to be intentionally tried to link up the distant similarities. On the other hand, when those who do not support the theory, particularly the Christian Church Theologians or leaders undertake the comparison, they intentionally misinterpret the fact to suit their purpose of stopping Christian from Joining Judaism, which to them is a good paganism. Given the above facts, I am of the view that a neutral and systematic thorough Research is needed to bring about a reliable outcome in the light of such strange similarities (or could it be mere co incidence). To cite my personal experience, I was one of the first to vehemently oppose the theory in 1974, not on religious grounds (of which I am neither atheist nor a religious zealot, but just a keen researcher). As I recall now, it was merely out of ignorance on my part.

On 31 Dec 1974, T. Daniel again went to Mumbai to deepen his study on Judaism, this time he got sponsorship from the UJNEI organization, it should be noted that the advent of Christianity and its acceptance by the Kuki-Chin-Mizo among the Manmashi have gradually evolved a controversial theory of our Origin. Surprisingly, the study of the Bible (the Old Testament) reveal similarities in the social and cultural life of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo and that of the Jews (who are also known as Israelites). But still new as it is an intensive study on the subject has not been done by any reliable researcher apart from T. Daniel Lhungdim and his colleagues, who, people suspected to be doing with religious motives (of spreading Judaism, which itself, undoubtedly, resembles the traditional religion followed by the Kuki-Chin-Mizo before the coming of Christianity). Be it whatever it may, in the midst of curiosity and obscurity of origin, their finding or belief has contributed to be a theory of our origin. Again, it is also stranger from fiction that, at the time of the century, when Nations of the world (including the Tribes of North East India) are deadly against the Jews of Israel, a negligible community tries and wants to be identified with it.

In 1975, Mr. Joshua M. Binjamin an Architect with the central government who also happened to be an Indian Jew from Delhi, inspected the Loktak Project and visited the Jews of Churachandpur, Mr. Binjamin is recalled as having given an encouragement to the community advising them, “Never disregard your Motherland (India), but you will have to live in your Fatherland” (that is Israel).

The UJNEI sent T. Daniel Lhungdim back to Mumbai on 2nd February 1976 to learn more about  Jewish laws and customs, again with Esther Caustil family support, T. Daniel returned with Talliths, Tefillin, Siddurim, Code of Jewish Laws etc. the Caustil family also donated a Sefer Torah for the Menashe Community in Manipur, and was charged with the responsibility to teach the community all that he learned about Judaism from ORT and the Jews of Bombay. From that very day, True Judaism had taken root in North East India. Needless to say T. Daniel became the spiritual guide of the Benei Menashe Community, the first Synagogue was established and was situated at Tuibuang, Churachandpur District Head Quarter and the Synagogue was name Jewish Prayer hall. Within the same year a delegation 10 people from Mizoram came to meet T. Daniel, since they too were interested to practice Judaism, but sadly he declined because he hold the opinion that it will be too burdensome to hold and maintain two state Manipur and Mizoram respectively.

In 1978, a misunderstanding between members of the community spurred up and the community was split into two, Gideon Ray, Jonathan Touthang and Moshe itskhak Vaiphei and Jeremiah Lhungdim and others withdrew from T. Daniel congregation and rented a house of Mr. Phunglen in New Bazar the same years, where prayer service were held. Subsequently the two communities again regroup under UJNEI, an election was held and V.L Benjamin was elected president of the UJNEI organization.

One of the first students to study at ORT Bombay was Binah, sister of V.L Binjamin, later on she succeeded to underwent formal conversion to Judaism, she must be the first among the Benei Menashe to Underwent full conversion to Judaism she married Itzkhak Caustil son of Esther Caustil, and the two couple later on in April 1978 visited the Benei Menashe community in Churachandpur and Itzkhak Caustil told the Community that the prayer hall (Synagogue ) located at Phunglen residents need to be given a name, and  he named the Synagogue Beith Shalom.

1n 1977 Sumthang Shemuel Haokip, generously donate a land, for the community of Benei Menashe after some years the community build synagogue at the place given by Shemuel Sumthang, the synagogue which they build retain the name Beith Shalom, given by Isaak caustil on his visit to Manipur on 1978.

The year 1978 was an auspicious year for the Benei Menashe in Mizoram, since this Year mark the beginning of Gideon Ray visit to Mizoram, as a result of his visit Gideon Ray succeeded to absorb them under the wing of Judaism.

Again on 1979 the Synagogue was shifted to Mr. Moshe Itzkhak Vaiphei’s resident in “Salem Veng”, but due to some misunderstanding the Synagogue was shifted to Leuneh Amos Lhungdim’s residence at D. Phailen the same year, and prayers service were held there for few months, until the prayer hall was relocated to the home of Moshe Itzkhak Vaiphei, and rent was paid. Subsequently, to avoid a paying rent, Mr. Jeremiah Lhungdim who was then the Vice president of Town Commissioner of Churachandpur Municipality, succeeded in persuading the President of Town Commissioner Mr. T. Dongjakai Gangte to give the community a Government Khash land, near the Sub-Divisional Office (SDO) in Churachandpur and the synagogue was shifted there in 1980 but the construction of the Synagogue was finish in 1981, an election was held and the following member were elected:

1. V. L. Benjamin - President

2. Jeremiah Lhungdim - Gen secretary

3. Moshe Itzkhak - vice president and Treasurer

4. Jonathan Touthang - Finance

5. Gideon Ray - Khazzan

6. Jangthang Joseph - Advisor and speaker.

During the year 1978, correspondence with Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail, founder of the Amishav Organisation was initiated, an organization build on searching the Lost Tribes of Israel, with a view to rehabilitating their Jewish practice and restoring them to membership in the Jewish world. In this context Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail took a deep interest in the activities of Benei Menashe, over the years, he has help the Benei Menashe to develop and extend our knowledge of Judaism, and remain as a spiritual guide until he leaves this world in 2nd Oct 2015.

Soon after correspondence was initiated, Rabbi Avichail  proposed that the Benei Menashe Community send a number of youngster to Israel to study Judaism, and in 1979 Mr Vankhuma Gideon Rey was selected, with the request of Moshe Itzkhak Vaiphei his son Simeon Gin was allowed to go with Gideon Ray to Israel, although the selection had been made the community had difficulty in raising the Money, donation were sough among the community and eventually the executive members resolved to contribute Rs. 1000/- per household and the following members generously donated for the trip to Israel:

1.     Moshe Itzkhak Vaiphei                                Rs. 1200

2.     Jeremiah Lhungdim                                      Rs. 1200

3.     Jamsem.David Lhungdim                              Rs. 1200

4.     Pauchungnung                                               Rs. 1200

5.     Abraham                                                         Rs. 580

6.     Mrs. Naomi Loihoi                                        Rs. 800

7.     Jangpau                                                          Rs. 800

The Imphal community donated a sum total of Rs. 280.60p, the communities lend Rs. 2000/- to Moshe Itzkhak for his son Simeon fares. Subsequently, however, the community leaders decided to convert this into a gift and altogether contributed Rs. 3700/- for Simeon Gin trip to Israel.

Gideon Ray and Simeon Gin finally left Imphal Airport for Israel at 10:15 AM on 8th January 1981 they reached Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv on 14th January 1981. In Israel, Simeon Gin and Gideon Ray undertook studies in Hebrew and Judaism through Machon Meir Yeshiva, in Jerusalem. 0n march 1983 Ray came back to Manipur and serve as the community Khazan (cantor) at Beith Shalom Synagogue. Simeon Gin remained in Israel until Nov 1984 and underwent formal conversion to Judaism. Hence Mr. Simeon Gin became the first Benei Menashe to undergo conversion to Judaism in Israel. Simeon Gin was again sent to ORT India Bombay in the year 1985 and he came back in 1988.

Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail came to India in the Year 1984 and wanted to meet leader of the community at Silchar, but as he did not have the requested restricted areas permit, he was obliged to return to Calcutta where some leaders such as T. Hangshing, V.L Binjamin, Lienboi Kipgen, L.S Thangjom, and Ms. Zaithanchunga went to meet him.

Again Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail, visited Calcutta in the Year 1986 and brought a Kosher Sefer Torah and Presented it through Moshe Itzkhak who was accompanied by Hoihnu and Tamar. This Torah is now still in used at Beith Shalom Synagogue, B.Vengnom Churachandpur.

In the year 1987, due to administrative problems, the community in Mizoram separated themselves from the Manipur based organization, and established an organization of their own, with its head quarter in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. This group took the name Judei Shevet Menashe, while the Manipur group called themselves Kehilath Zera Menashe later on Kehilat Zera Menashe was change to Shevet Menashe and then to Benei Menashe Council.

In April 1988, Rabbi Avichail, while not himself able to travel to India, arranged for a Beith Din to be set up in Bombay. This was constituted by Rabbi Yaakov Newman, together with Elie Shasha both from Israel, and Benaud Affif, a member of Bombay Jewish community. 24 people from Manipur and 6 from Mizoram were converted, including 3 couples for whom Jewish wedding rites were performed. Each conversion was given a book called “A to Z Judaism”.

10-13th April 1994, Rabbi Avichail, Jonathan Segal, Eli Yonah visited the community and a reception programme was arranged at Old Lambulane, Imphal. Rabbi Avichail and his companions conducted interviews for the selection of youngster and young couples to migrate to Israel.

12-18th Dec 2001, celebrations marking the 25th Anniversary of the advent of Judaism in N.E. India have been organized, a Jubilee stone was erected to mark the occasion, all communities in Manipur, Assam and Nagaland participated in the Jubilee cum Khanukah festivals.

According to T.Aviel Hangshing leader of the Benei Menashe in Imphal, when the Bible was translated into local language in the 1970, the people began to study it themselves Hangshing said, “and we found that the stories, the customs and practices of Israel people were very similar to ours, so we thought that we must be one of the Lost Tribes. (Geeta Pandey, “India lost Jew’s wait in hope, BBC, 18 august 2004, accessed 8th May 2013)

In 2002 Michael Freund founded the “Shavei Israel Organisation” to help the lost Jews and assist them in returning to their roots and their Ancestral lands, Michael Freund was the deputy director of communications under Prime Minister Binjamin Natanyahu in 1996, before Shavei Israel Organisation, Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail head of Amishav Organisation was responsible for the Aliyah of Benei Menashe, He and his organization have fulfill the dreams of Benei Menashe to come into fruition since 1975, after several years Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail step aside as he was too old to take the Issue of Aliyah, So Shavei Israel took responsibility regarding the Benei Menashe, be it Aliyah or other matters.

In 2006 aliyah to eretz Israel was organized by Shavei Israel, this aliyah consist of the Mizoram state, and the following years 2007 Aliyah was again organized for the Benei Menashe which consist of the Manipur state. After this there were numerous Aliyah organize by the Shavei Israel Organisation.

Until today the Shavei organization is the only organization, which take the yoke of Aliyah especially for the Benei Menashe.

The Benei Menashe have settled in many parts of Israel, such as 1. Kiryat Arba, 2. Beith el, 3. Ofra, 4. Kiryat Shemona, 5. Tzfat, 6. Teverya, 7. Migdal Haemek, 8. Natzereth Illit, 9. Afula, 10 Beith Shean, 11. Acco, 12. Maalot, 13. Nitzan, 14. Sderoth, 15. Kiryat Arba etc.

In 2014, the community of Benei Menashe in Sderoth established their own Synagogue and a place of Jewish learning such as Yeshiva, evening kollel etc. this was possible due to Rabbi Menakhem Gamliel and Rabbi Aryeh Gamliel, since Rabbi Menakhem propose to Rabbi David Lhungdim that in order to safeguard the community from outward influence one need to established a centre for the Benei Menashe community, unable to resist his Rabbi advice, Rabbi David with the community of Benei Menashe Sderoth, established their community centre in Sderoth, the synagogue which they established was the first synagogue in Israel for the Benei Menashe community, but things are not easy since the community face many back lashes from various organization, who wish to subjugate them, thus this type of Bureaucratic idea give the community to face many hardship until today. Eventually the community start to run their own organization which is known as the “Shivtei Menashe Organisation” the aim and object of the community is to safeguard the integrity of the community who face many challenges to a society and environment which is new to them, and the main motivation is to safeguard their spiritual life, for this reason the synagogue, Yeshiva and Evening kollel were established.