Over two millennia ago in the aftermath of the fall of King Solomon’s second temple in 70 BC, Jewish people dispersed in various directions. A shipwreck occurred on the western coast of India and those who survived landed safely on the shore with the help of locals. Seven men and seven women began their new life in Navagaon near Alibaug in present day Maharashtra. Thus goes the story of Bene Israel Community which is believed to belong to the Tribe of Zebulum, one of the ten lost tribes.

Fast forward to 1948.The descendants who survived and thrived in the alien land that became their second home, had another chance. A call to return to their roots. A land that had quietly resided in their hearts and prayers and sustained their hopes for centuries, wanted them back.

Most of them seized the offer and left. This journey completes the loop and carries in its fold several heart-warming sub plots. The Community known as Bene Israel continues to prosper in their ‘old new home’ in Israel. While in their adopted home, the community scrupulously followed their original customs, traditions, food habits, religious and wedding rituals for centuries. However it also absorbed several local practices of the Konkan areas of Kulaba, Alibaug and surroundings. It integrated into the local ecosystem and economy and came to be known as Shaniwar Teli referring to their work as oil pressers and observance of Saturday as a holiday. Besides Mumbai, they also spread into Ahmedabad Baroda and Karachi areas. Several of the earned name and fame in fields as diverse as films, arts, dance, fashion and literature. Slowly many local words entered into Hebrew and Judea-Marathi was born. Books got published as early as in 1890 bringing out the similarities and influences among the languages. Esther David, Sahitya Academy award winner novelist who writes about Jewish Ethos says this about local influences, “Indian influences in their food habits, dress, jewellery, wearing flowers in their hair or Veni, hosting mehendi ceremony before along with poha, supari, pan. Puran Poli toois made during Purim Festival…Their last name is taken from village to which they belong.” Some common surnames among the Bene Israel are Navgavkar, Kehimkar, Dandekar and Penkar. Phool Bharni on the arrival of girl child, Malida ceremony and keeping an image of the Prophet Elijah are also unique practices to the community. While referring to the generations of ancestors who lived in India, Esther describes herself as the seed of a buried tree’.

Those who left for the promised land, while settling down there, also pined for things they had imbibed but left behind in Maharashtra, India. Memories of their forefathers and the influence of culture and language became reason enough to try to relive some part of what they missed in Israel. Thus began the Judea-Marathi events and functions to recite poems and enjoy Marathi plays, dances and food. MaiBoli(which literally means Mother Tongue in Marathi) newsletter is published in Marathi covers developments related to the community in India and Israel.

How much do they miss Marathi? In 1993, a prominent Marathi politician visited Israel. In a reception given to honour him, he began his speech in English and the audience shouted ‘nonono’. Then he started to speak in Hindi and again there was a big ‘nono’ from the audience. Once he began speaking in Marathi the audience fell silent.

Back in India those who chose not to leave India continued to celebrate their life. Nissim Eizekel the well known poet often referred to as the father of Indian English Poetry, expresses the dilemma of ‘to go or not to go’ and his decision through poetry. He writes about his decision in these words” I cannot leave the island, I was born here and belong. I have made my commitments now. This is one to stay where I am.” For him, Mumbai had ‘oppressed and sustained him.

As Prime Minister Modi visits Israel, highlighting these civilizational engagements has its own significance. Today the relations between countries are circumscribed in terms of investment statistics, trade figures, joint ventures, tech partnerships, defence cooperation and remittances. However, historic evolution shaped over centuries invariably plays its destined part in such relationship. Memories lived and created by people of both the countries are the bedrock of India’s relations with Israel. The Bene Israel have become a symbol of hope, integration, assimilation and coexistence. Most of them have left India, but India is still in their hearts and thoughts.

END OF ARTICLE