Video Lesson

Lesson Objectives

After learning this lesson, you will be able to:

• explain briefly the cause and nature of the conflict between the Christian kingdom and the Bete-Israel;
•  make a list of roles that the people in question played in the social and political life of the Christian kingdom;
• appreciate the multidimensional skills that the Bete-Israel possessed;
• elucidate on the nature of relationships that existed between the Bete-Israel and the Christian kingdom.

Brainstorming Questions

• In what aspect of the Bete-Israel social life were the Stephenites and Ewosaians related?
• How do you relate the name Felasi to the decree of king Yishaq? What do you think is its economic implication?

Key terms and Concepts

The Bete-Israel (Ethiopian Jews)

The Bete-Israel, also known as the Beta Israel or Ethiopian Jews, was one of the occupational castes in Ethiopia. Occupational castes typically include groups marginalized due to their occupations, which are often considered lowly by the broader community. In the case of the Bete-Israel, they were traditionally associated with occupations such as pottery, blacksmithing, and leatherworking. Geographically, they lived in regions such as Wogera, Quara, Tegede, Welqayt, and Simen in Ethiopia. These communities practiced Judaism and maintained distinct cultural practices and religious beliefs within Ethiopian society.

The relationship between the Christian Kingdom and the Bete-Israel (Beta Israel or Ethiopian Jews) was characterized by periods of conflict and pressure, especially during the 15th century. Initially marginalized due to their occupation and religious beliefs, the Bete-Israel faced increasing religious, economic, and political pressure from the Christian Highland Kingdom. This culminated in full-scale wars led by emperors, notably under King Yishaq around 1413. The Bete-Israel suffered severe defeat in Wogera and were compelled to convert to Christianity under threat of losing their rights to inheritable land. This pressure led many Bete-Israel to develop handicrafts, particularly blacksmithing, possibly to contribute to the Christian army’s weaponry. Despite these challenges, some Bete-Israel maintained their religious integrity and social isolation, eventually expanding their crafts beyond blacksmithing to include construction by the mid-16th century. This period saw them establishing settlements and contributing to architectural projects in places like Guzara, Gorgora, and Azezo, while preserving their distinct religious identity and traditions.

During the period from the reign of Zera Ya’iqob to King Suseneyos, the Bete-Israel (Beta Israel or Ethiopian Jews) made significant religious and political efforts to maintain their independence. They upheld their distinct religious practices, including observing the Saturday Sabbath, circumcision rituals, and dietary laws, which had evolved over time and were outlined in texts like the Te’ezaza Senbet. Despite these efforts, they faced challenges from the Christian Ethiopian kingdom, led by rulers such as King Suseneyos. The Bete-Israel aligned themselves at times with rebellious governors, Imam Ahmed Bin Ibrahim al-Ghazi, and claimants to the Ethiopian throne in attempts to preserve their autonomy. However, they were ultimately subdued by King Suseneyos, leading to the loss of their independence and integration into the broader Ethiopian Christian society.