Black Hebrew Israelites

The Black Hebrew Israelites: History, Beliefs, and Controversies

The Black Hebrew Israelites (also known as Black Hebrews, African Hebrew Israelites, or Hebrew Israelites) are a diverse group of African American religious organizations that believe they are the descendants of the ancient Israelites. Their teachings combine elements of Judaism, Christianity, and Black nationalism, emphasizing the idea that African Americans are the true heirs of the biblical Israelites. This article explores the origins, beliefs, practices, and controversies surrounding the Black Hebrew Israelites.

Origins and Historical Context

The Black Hebrew Israelite movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during a period of significant social and cultural upheaval for African Americans. The movement’s roots can be traced to several key factors:

1. Post-Slavery Identity Formation:
   After the abolition of slavery, African Americans sought to reclaim their cultural and spiritual identities, which had been suppressed during centuries of enslavement. Many turned to the Bible for inspiration, finding in the story of the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt a powerful parallel to their own experiences.
2. The Great Migration:
   The mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North during the early 20th century created new opportunities for religious and cultural expression. In cities like Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, Black Hebrew Israelite groups began to form, blending biblical narratives with Black nationalist ideologies.
3. Early Leaders and Movements:
   One of the earliest figures associated with the movement was William Saunders Crowdy, a former slave who founded the Church of God and Saints of Christ in 1896. Crowdy claimed to have received divine revelations affirming that African Americans were the true descendants of the Israelites. Other influential leaders included Wentworth Arthur Matthew, who founded the Commandment Keepers in Harlem in 1919, and Ben Ammi Ben-Israel, who led a group of Black Hebrews to establish a community in Israel in the 1960s.

Core Beliefs and Teachings

The Black Hebrew Israelites’ beliefs vary widely among different groups, but several core themes are common:

1. African Americans as the True Israelites:
   Central to the movement is the belief that African Americans, as well as other Black and Indigenous peoples, are the biological and spiritual descendants of the ancient Israelites. This claim is often supported by interpretations of biblical passages, such as Deuteronomy 28, which describes the curses that would befall the Israelites if they disobeyed God—curses that some Black Hebrew Israelites see as paralleling the experiences of slavery and systemic racism.
2. Rejection of Traditional Judaism and Christianity:
   While the Black Hebrew Israelites draw heavily from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), they often reject mainstream Judaism and Christianity, viewing these religions as corrupted by European influences. They emphasize the need to return to the original practices and beliefs of the ancient Israelites.
3. Black Nationalism and Empowerment:
   Many Black Hebrew Israelite groups incorporate elements of Black nationalism, advocating for self-determination, economic independence, and cultural pride. They often criticize systemic racism and colonialism, framing their struggle as part of a larger divine plan for the redemption of Black people.
4. Dietary Laws and Lifestyle:
   Some groups adhere to strict dietary laws based on the biblical kosher guidelines, avoiding pork, shellfish, and other forbidden foods. They may also observe the Sabbath, wear traditional Hebrew garments, and follow other practices inspired by the Old Testament.

Practices and Communities

Black Hebrew Israelite communities vary widely in their practices and organizational structures. Some groups are highly organized, with established places of worship and formal leadership, while others operate as loose collectives or street ministries.

1. The African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem:
   One of the most well-known groups is the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, founded by Ben Ammi Ben-Israel in the 1960s. This group relocated to Israel, where they established a thriving community in the city of Dimona. They practice veganism, emphasize holistic health, and celebrate festivals based on the Hebrew calendar.
2. Street Ministries:
   In urban areas across the United States, Black Hebrew Israelite street preachers are a common sight. They often use public spaces to deliver fiery sermons, distribute literature, and engage in debates about race, religion, and identity.
3. Cultural and Social Initiatives:
   Many Black Hebrew Israelite groups are involved in community outreach, education, and social justice initiatives. They may operate schools, businesses, and cultural programs aimed at empowering Black communities.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Black Hebrew Israelite movement has been the subject of significant controversy, both within and outside the African American community.

1. Racial and Religious Tensions:
   Some Black Hebrew Israelite groups have been accused of promoting anti-Semitic, anti-white, or anti-Christian rhetoric. While not all groups espouse such views, the movement’s emphasis on Black supremacy and its rejection of mainstream Judaism have led to tensions with Jewish and Christian communities.
2. Extremism and Violence:
   A small number of Black Hebrew Israelite groups have been linked to extremist ideologies and violent incidents. For example, members of a Black Hebrew Israelite sect were involved in a deadly shooting in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 2019. These incidents have fueled perceptions of the movement as radical or dangerous.
3. Recognition in Israel:
   The African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem faced significant challenges in gaining recognition from the Israeli government, which initially viewed them as a cult. Over time, however, they have gained a degree of acceptance and integration into Israeli society.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Despite the controversies, the Black Hebrew Israelite movement has had a profound impact on African American culture and spirituality. Its emphasis on Black empowerment, cultural pride, and biblical identity has resonated with many who seek to reclaim their heritage and challenge systemic oppression.

The movement has also influenced music, art, and literature. For example, the hip-hop group Public Enemy and rapper Kanye West have referenced Black Hebrew Israelite themes in their work, bringing the movement’s ideas to a wider audience.

A Complex and Evolving Movement

The Black Hebrew Israelites represent a unique and multifaceted phenomenon in the landscape of American religion. Their teachings reflect a deep yearning for identity, justice, and spiritual truth, even as they grapple with questions of race, history, and faith.

While the movement’s more extreme elements have drawn criticism, its core message of empowerment and self-determination continues to inspire many. As the Black Hebrew Israelites navigate the challenges of the modern world, their story remains a testament to the enduring power of faith and the search for belonging.

“We are the descendants of the ancient Israelites, and our story is one of struggle, survival, and redemption.”
—A common refrain among Black Hebrew Israelites