About the Namanyonyi Community
Our Values
Our mission is to uphold the teachings of the Torah, promote education, and foster a sense of unity and purpose among our members, members of other Jewish communities, and our non-Jewish friends and neighbors.Â
We value faith, community service, and the preservation of our unique cultural identity.Â
Our Lifestyle
Synagogue Services: We hold Shabbat services every Friday evening and Saturday morning. Our doors are open to all who wish to join.
Holiday Observances: Celebrate major Jewish holidays with us, including Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.
Life Cycle Events: We honor significant life events with traditional ceremonies, from brit milah (circumcision) to weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs.
Our Journey Through Time:
Early 20th Century: Origins of the Abayudaya
1919
Semei Kakungulu, a prominent Ugandan military leader and statesman, adopts Judaism after exploring various faiths.
Breaks away from British colonial authorities and Christian missionaries, seeking a faith aligning more closely with his interpretations of the Bible.
Establishes a Jewish community in the Mbale District of Eastern Uganda, practicing Judaism based on the Old Testament.
Formation of the Abayudaya
The community adopts the name "Abayudaya," meaning "People of Judah" in the local Lugisu language.
Begins practicing Jewish rituals such as circumcision, observing the Sabbath, and adhering to dietary laws, despite limited access to rabbinic teachings.
1920s–1960s: Growth and Development
1920s
Construction of the first synagogues in the region, including in villages like Namanyonyi.
Namanyonyi emerges as one of the key villages where the Abayudaya settle and establish their community.
Introduction of Hebrew lessons and Jewish education for children and adults.
The community grows to several thousand members, incorporating local customs into their Jewish practice.
Community Life in Namanyonyi
Establishment of the Namanyonyi Synagogue, serving as a spiritual and communal hub.
Residents engage in subsistence farming, cultivating crops like maize, beans, and coffee.
Education and Youth
Emphasis on educating the youth in both religious and secular studies.
Community schools in Namanyonyi begin teaching Hebrew and Jewish traditions alongside standard curricula.
Interaction with Global Jewry
Limited contact with the wider Jewish world due to geographical isolation and communication barriers.
Practices are based largely on Kakungulu's interpretations and available scriptures.
1970s: Persecution Under Idi Amin
1971–1979
Idi Amin's Regime declares Judaism illegal along with other religions not sanctioned by the state.
Synagogues are destroyed or closed, including the Namanyonyi Synagogue.
The Abayudaya, including those in Namanyonyi, are forced to practice in secrecy; some convert to other religions under duress.
Community numbers significantly decline due to persecution and fear.
1980s–1990s: Revival and Reconnection
Post-1979
Fall of Idi Amin restores religious freedom in Uganda.
The Abayudaya begin rebuilding their community structures and synagogues.
Rebuilding in Namanyonyi
Reconstruction of the Namanyonyi Synagogue, reinstating its role as a community center.
Revival of agricultural activities and community gatherings.
Renewal of educational programs focusing on Jewish teachings and traditions.
1980s
Rabbi Gershom Sizomu emerges as a key leader in the community's revival.
Reestablishment of Jewish education and religious practices in villages including Namanyonyi.
Youth in Namanyonyi receive education in both religious and secular subjects, emphasizing the importance of heritage and modern knowledge.
1990s
Increased efforts to reconnect with global Jewish communities.
Visits from international Jewish organizations and individuals provide support.
Assistance in obtaining religious materials, including Torah scrolls and prayer books.
Community Development in Namanyonyi
Initiation of projects aimed at improving living standards, such as clean water initiatives and healthcare access.
Introduction of programs to empower youth and promote cultural heritage.
2000s: Formal Recognition and Growth
2002
A rabbinical court (Beit Din) from the Conservative Movement in the United States visits Uganda.
Conducts formal conversions for community members to affirm their Jewish status according to international Jewish law.
Members from Namanyonyi participate in these ceremonies, strengthening their ties to global Jewry.
Infrastructure Development
Construction of schools, health clinics, and community centers in Namanyonyi and surrounding areas.
Implementation of clean water projects and sanitation facilities, improving health and quality of life.
Enhancement of the Namanyonyi Synagogue as a center for religious and communal activities.
Cultural Exchange
Visits from Jewish students and volunteers from around the world to Namanyonyi.
Participation in international conferences and cultural programs, showcasing the unique traditions of the Abayudaya.
Cultural Achievements
Music and Arts
The community gains recognition for their unique blend of Jewish liturgical music with African melodies.
2005
Release of the album "Abayudaya: Music from the Jewish People of Uganda," which receives a Grammy nomination.
Musicians from Namanyonyi contribute to this album, sharing their cultural expressions on an international stage.
Music becomes a means of cultural expression and international outreach for the community.
2010s: Leadership and Expansion
Rabbinical Leadership
2016
Rabbi Gershom Sizomu becomes the first native-born black rabbi in Sub-Saharan Africa ordained by an American rabbinical school.
Graduates from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles.
His leadership positively impacts communities like Namanyonyi, promoting spiritual growth and education.
Political Engagement
Rabbi Sizomu is elected to the Ugandan Parliament representing Bungokho North, which includes Namanyonyi.
Advocates for religious freedom, social development, and the needs of his constituents.
Community Development
Expansion of educational programs, including scholarships for students from Namanyonyi.
Enhancement of health services with the help of international partners.
Introduction of sustainable agricultural practices to improve livelihoods.
Recognition and Immigration Rights
2016
The Jewish Agency for Israel recognizes the Abayudaya as a Jewish community, allowing members to make Aliyah (immigrate to Israel) under the Law of Return.
Members from Namanyonyi are included in this recognition, marking a significant milestone for the community.
Recent Developments (2020s)
COVID-19 Pandemic
The community faces health and economic challenges due to the pandemic.
Namanyonyi implements preventive measures and relies on community support systems.
Distribution of food and essential supplies to vulnerable families within the village.
Sustainability Efforts
Introduction of solar power and sustainable agricultural practices in Namanyonyi.
Focus on environmental conservation and self-sufficiency to improve living conditions.
Education and Technology
Integration of technology in education, including online learning platforms for schools in Namanyonyi.
Continued emphasis on bridging educational gaps and improving literacy rates among the youth.
Ongoing Challenges and Aspirations
Economic Development
Efforts to improve livelihoods through cooperative businesses, such as coffee farming and handicrafts in Namanyonyi.
Seeking fair trade partnerships to enhance income and economic stability.
Religious Diversity and Unity
Fostering harmonious relationships with neighboring Christian and Muslim communities.
Participation in interfaith dialogues and collaborative projects within Namanyonyi and surrounding areas.
Youth Empowerment
Programs aimed at empowering young people through education, leadership training, and entrepreneurship in Namanyonyi.
Encouraging the next generation to take active roles in community development.
Cultural Preservation
Commitment to preserving their unique Jewish-African heritage.
Documentation of oral histories, traditions, and customs for future generations.
Future Goals
Infrastructure Enhancement
Plans to build more community facilities in Namanyonyi, including libraries, schools, and health clinics.
Improvement of roads and access to clean water to benefit residents.
Global Engagement
Strengthening connections with Jewish communities worldwide.
Encouraging cultural exchanges and volunteer programs that include Namanyonyi.
Advocacy and Representation
Continued advocacy for religious rights and recognition on behalf of the Namanyonyi community.
Representation in national and international forums to highlight the community's history and needs.