Bene Menashe Jews
The Bene Menashe are an Indian Jewish community from Manipur and Mizoram in northeastern India, who consider themselves descendants of the tribe of Menashe.
Approximately 5,000 have immigrated to Israel, with a similar number awaiting permission to make Aliyah.
Origins
The Bene Menashe are a community from the northeastern regions of Manipur and Mizoram, claiming descent from one of the ten lost tribes of Israel—specifically, the tribe of Manasseh.
Belief and Identity
They have historically practiced a mix of Christianity and Judaism, but in recent decades, many have adopted a more traditional form of Judaism and have sought recognition from the Israeli rabbinate.
Aliyah
5,000 of Bene Menashe have immigrated to Israel, often with the backing of organizations that emphasize their ancestral connection to Judaism, and a similar number await permission to make aliyah.
Community life
Their culture combines elements of Jewish rituals with the traditions, songs, and customs of the Kuki and Mizo tribes of Northeast India.