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The National Library of Israel has announced an exciting initiative to digitize and scan ancient manuscripts belonging to the Beta Israel community of Ethiopia. This project aims to make these invaluable cultural treasures publicly accessible while preserving the original texts in the community’s possession.
The agreement to digitize the manuscripts was reached between representatives from the National Library and leaders of the Beta Israel community, also known as Ethiopian Jews.
The manuscripts, which have traditionally been held privately by the community’s clergy, or Kesim, will remain under their stewardship. However, scanned copies will be made available to scholars and the general public, allowing greater appreciation and understanding of this unique cultural heritage.
Among the manuscripts included in the digitization project are texts written in the ancient Ge’ez language, notably the Orit. The Orit serves as the Beta Israel Torah and encompasses the five books of the Torah, along with the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth.
The digitization program is also expected to feature apocryphal writings such as the texts of Enoch and Jubilees, as well as the Psalms. Additional manuscripts held by the descendants of Kesim are set to be scanned, further enriching the digital collection.
As part of the project, the library has already successfully scanned 17 manuscripts, which include various ancient texts like prayer books specifically designed for Shmita—the biblical commandment that prohibits agricultural work in Israel—and Yom Kippur.
This marks a significant step in preserving the religious and cultural practices of the Beta Israel community.
Naftali Avraham, Director General of the Ethiopian Jewry Heritage Center, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “In recent years, we have been able to document many of the esoteric mysteries of the tradition and rich heritage of Ethiopian Jews thanks to cooperation with the Kesim. I am glad that in this project as well, the Center brought the importance of scanning books before the Kesim, and they joined the project out of recognition of the importance of conservation.”
Yitzhak Gila, Director of the library’s Manuscripts Department, shared his excitement about the collaboration, noting, “We are overjoyed to add the Beta Israel heritage to this digital collection.” This partnership underscores the significance of preserving and sharing cultural artifacts while respecting the traditions and ownership of the community.
The involvement of various organizations in this digitization effort has been highlighted by Dr. Dalit Rom-Shiloni, an Associate Professor at the Department of Biblical Studies at Tel Aviv University.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, stating, “These cultural treasures are undoubtedly part of the community’s heritage and deserve exposure to an interested public, while they will continue to be maintained with their owners in the various houses of worship.”
The digitization project is not only a means of preserving the historical legacy of the Beta Israel community but also an opportunity for the wider public to engage with their rich traditions.
As these ancient manuscripts are transformed into digital formats, they will serve as a bridge connecting past and present, allowing future generations to explore and appreciate the unique cultural identity of Ethiopian Jews.
With this initiative, the National Library of Israel and the Beta Israel community are taking significant strides towards safeguarding their heritage and fostering greater understanding of the Jewish experience in Ethiopia.