Figuring Out How to Behave Around Ethiopian Jews

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I have tried my best to do the Ethiopian shoulder dance.

Some more training would be appreciated! lol



I have such an interesting relationship with Ethiopian Jews here in Jerusalem. In America, there was always the nod of comeraderie or a short hello. Something showing solidarity. But here its just not like that.



Don't get me wrong, its not that there isn't solidarity between black Jews to black Jews, its just that I haven't figured out the right way to behave yet. lol.

Yes. I remember the first time I passed by a store. There were security guards sitting on high stools right outside the store with their metal detectors. As I passed by I wondered, should I give a quick smile, a hello? Is that too forward for this very modest society?? I had to decide quick because I was coming up to the store. I decided to risk it...


As I passed by the two security guards, I cooly smiled mouthed out a soft "shalom". But much to my dismay it did not go well AT ALL. One of the men let out a high pitched phrase in Amharic. Then they both began to talk. I quickly tried to walk faster and turn the corner before a spectacle was made! Whew!

Okay, I understood now. I am not in Kansas any more. But what's the new norm? I've decided to play it by ear. Now when I pass by, if its men, I do nothing. Except of course, the guys who work at my local supermarket. Those guys call my son Obama and joke with the kids so that's established. Otherwise any other guy -too risky. However, when I see Ethiopian women, I still venture out a smile. We usually end up talking and having mutual respect for each other. Chavivuta - mutual love! The more that goes around the more power people are.

So far I have met Ethiopian Jews, Liberian, Caribbean, African American and a few others which escapes me at the moment. As many as there are countries! But my most memorable moment was having Shabbat with Rabbi Hadana. The respect his family gave him, the memorabilias in his home, the food, the history and the agony over traditional ways vs the new ways, everything was fascinating. I wish I could actually have met his father (who is a Qes -like a Cohen or rabbi).

So much to learn.




At any rate, I pray for unity for all of us --world unity.