Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Rite | Black Hebrew Israelite |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership |
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| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 6601 South Kedzie Avenue, Marquette Park, Chicago, Illinois 60629 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Greater Chicago
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| Architecture | |
| Founder | Rabbi Horace Hasan |
| Date established | 1918 (as a congregation) |
Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, often called Beth Shalom, is a special place of worship in Chicago, Illinois. It's a synagogue for a group known as Black Hebrew Israelites. A rabbi named Capers Funnye leads the congregation. Two assistant rabbis, Avraham Ben Israel and Joshua V. Salter, also help. This congregation is part of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis.
About Beth Shalom
About 200 people are members of Beth Shalom. Most of them are African American. Rabbi Horace Hasan from Mumbai, India, started the congregation in 1918. It was first called the Ethiopian Hebrew Settlement Workers Association. The group was also inspired by the Commandment Keepers, led by Wentworth Arthur Matthew.
Who Are the Members?
Besides African Americans, members also include Hispanic Jews and Ashkenazi Jews. Some members used to be Christians or Muslims. Like traditional Judaism, Beth Shalom does not actively look for new members. People who want to join must study Judaism for a year. After that, men go through a special ritual called circumcision, and women take a ritual bath in a mikveh.
How They Worship
Beth Shalom's worship style is a mix of traditional Jewish practices and African-American influences. It's described as being similar to Conservative Judaism or Modern Orthodox Judaism. For example, men and women sit separately during services, just like in Orthodox Judaism. However, a choir sings spirituals to the beat of a drum. The congregation follows traditional Jewish liturgy and Jewish laws. This includes observing the Shabbat (Sabbath) and following a special version of kosher dietary laws.
Their Synagogue Building
The congregation currently meets in a building that used to be another synagogue. This building was bought from the Lawn Manor Hebrew Congregation. That group was a Conservative Jewish temple of Ashkenazi Jews from Lithuania. The synagogue is located at West 66th Street and South Kedzie Avenue in the Marquette Park neighborhood. This area is on the South Side of Chicago.
