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Judaism Religion, Indian Jews Community: Details, Presence, Origin, Culture
Judaism Religion, Indian Jews Community: Details, Presence, Origin, Culture, About
About Judaism
Judaism is one of the oldest religions of the world, evolved in Egypt about 3,700 years ago. It believes in the unity and oneness of universal Creator. Judaism is the religion, philosophy, and way of life of the Jewish people.
Jews have been living in India for over 2,000 years ever since they first landed on the West coast of India.
Indian Jews are known as a peace-loving community. They follow the Hebrew calendar. They have a special thanks-giving ceremony known as Eliyahoo-ha-Nabior i.e. ‘gratitude to Elijah the Prophet’, on festive occasions.
Indian Jews fall into 5 categories
Bene Israel – Meaning Children of Israel. Marathi speaking. Arrived in Maharashtra 2,100 years ago.
Cochin Jews – arrived in India 2,500 years ago and settled down in Kerala as traders.
Baghdadi Jews – Jews who came to India as traders from West Asia, mainly from Baghdad. They are settled mainly in Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata.
Bene Menashe – The Manipur Jews constitute a community which sees itself as descendants of the Manasseh (Menashe) Tribe (which is one of the 10 lost tribes of Jews).
Bene Ephraim – also called “Telugu Jews”. They are a small group who speak Telugu. Their observance of Judaism dates to 1981.
