Work of aliyah groups.2C Amishav and Shavei Israel Bnei Menashe

in late 20th century, israeli rabbi eliyahu avichail founded amishav (hebrew people returns ), organisation dedicated locating descendants of lost tribes of israel , assisting aliyah. in 1983 first learned of messianic/jewish group in northeastern india, after meeting zaithanchhungi, insurance saleswoman , former teacher came area. had traveled israel in 1981 present papers @ seminars people s connection judaism.

during 1980s, avichail traveled northeast india several times investigate people s claims. helped people research , collect historic documentation. people observed have practices similar judaism:

three festivals annually similar of jews
funeral rites, birth , marriage ceremonies have similarities ancient judaism
historical claim of descent great ancestor manmási , descriptions similar of manasseh, son of joseph.
local legend describes presence of remnants of lost jewish tribe of manasseh (hebrew: menashe) more 1,000 years ago in cave in southwestern china, members migrated across thailand northeastern india.

believing these people descendants of israelites, avichail named group bnei menashe. began teach them normative orthodox judaism. prepared pay aliyah funds provided groups supporting second coming. israeli government did not recognize messianic groups in india candidates aliyah.

several years later, rabbi stepped aside leader of amishav in favour of michael freund. younger man jerusalem post columnist , former deputy director of communications , policy planning in prime minister s office. 2 men quarreled.

freund founded organization, shavei israel, devoted supporting aliyah descendants of lost tribes. each of 2 men have attracted support of bnei menashe in israel. kuki-mizo tribal rivalries , clans have played role in split, groups supporting 1 man , other. freund uses of private fortune support shavei israel. has helped provide jewish education bnei menashe in aizawl , imphal, capitals of 2 northeast indian states.

in mid-2005, of shavei israel , local council of kiryat arba, bnei menashe opened first community centre in israel. have built several synagogues in india. in july 2005, completed mikveh (ritual bath) in mizoram under supervision of israeli rabbis. used in orthodox jewish practice , use required part of formal orthodox process of conversion of candidates judaism. shortly after, bnei menashe built mikveh in manipur.