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Passion for probe

Photo: T.Vijaya Kumar

In search of roots Yulia Egorova

The Bene Yacob Synogogue in Kothareddypalem near Chebrolu, 17 km from Guntur, is a synonym for rustic simplicity. A thatched roof makes up for the lack of a portico outside a two-roomed house. The walls are adorned with hand drawn images of Jewish symbolism, the mezuzah and ‘David’s Cross’.

This is the place where a small community of Jews, Bene Ephraim has been zealously practicing Judaism for over three decades in the fervent hope that they would be absorbed back into the Promised Land some day. The recent decision of the Israeli Government to recognize Bene Manasse – the Jewish community living in the north-eastern states of India, has given the Bene Ephraim group a new hope.

Their tales of dogged perseverance in the face of intolerance and alienation have inspired many visiting western scholars to this non-descript village to write memoirs on the community. But only a few like social anthropologist Yulia Egorova from Britain have come back for the second time. Braving the heat and dust of Indian summer, she is here to continue her research on “Jewish Communities in India.”

She is taken in by the warmth of the family of Sadok Yacobi and his scholarly elder brother, Shmuel Yacobi, the spiritual leader of the community. After a drive down on a rough patch of road, she is greeted by warm smiles of the family members and she quickly gets into the groove over a cuppa.

Her day starts with visits to the community members, most of them eking out a living as farm labourers. Recording evidence of their origin and observing Jewish traditions comprises the rest of her task. Shmuel Yacobi, a Rabbi, is a treasure house of the history of Judaism in India.“Their unwavering faith and the manner in which the small Jewish community has remained devoted to the religion despite financial ordeals and alienation is incredible,” she says.

The task to help the community trace its origin is not easy as the early history of the Jews who came down to settle here is obscure. But she is not ready to give up. “There are several anthropological aspects to the history of the ‘Telugu Jews’. Their customs and traditions practiced over years make an interesting study,” she says.

Her tryst with the Jewish history began a decade ago when she moved from Russia to London for a Masters in Jewish History. She then completed her Ph.D from the London University, where she married Brian Black, a professor of Ancient Indian Philosophy. An interesting Indian connection! Years after her marriage and caring for their son, Bacon Durham, Yulia rediscovered the passion to continue the research.

“I want to construct an identity between this lost tribe and their ancestors, tell the world about their stoic observance of Jewish customs in the face of religious intolerance and their steadfast faith in the religion,” she says.

Shmuel Yacobi, who has authored many books, expresses concern over terror threat from fundamentalist groups and pleads for security to the community. The members have rejected opportunities in higher education and jobs. “But we want an elected representative to voice our concerns. We will support any party that is willing to give representation to the Indian Jews in Parliament,” he says.

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