Why does this building stand as a testament to faith and community? It is Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation. Here at 6601 South Kedzie Avenue stands a unique beacon of Black Hebrew Israelite tradition. Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken EHC is not just a synagogue. It is a testament to a vibrant history. It reflects the evolving identity of its community.
Beth Shalom’s story began in 1918. Rabbi Horace Hasan from Bombay, India founded it. He named it the Ethiopian Hebrew Settlement Workers Association. Hasan’s work was influenced by Wentworth Arthur Matthew’s Commandment Keepers. This was a crucial beginning for the congregation.
The majority of Beth Shalom’s approximately 200 members are African American. The community also welcomes Hispanic Jews, Ashkenazi Jews, and those who have converted from Christianity and Islam. Beth Shalom does not actively seek converts. Potential members embark on a year of study. Men undergo ritual circumcision. Women participate in ritual immersion in a mikvah.
Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken EHC blends tradition with African-American influences. Men and women sit separately. This is common in Orthodox synagogues. A choir sings spirituals. They are accompanied by a drum. The synagogue adheres to traditional Jewish liturgy and laws. This includes Sabbath observance. They also observe a modified version of kosher dietary laws.
The congregation currently occupies a building with its own history. Beth Shalom purchased the synagogue from the Lawn Manor Hebrew Congregation. That congregation was a Conservative temple of Ashkenazi Lithuanian Jews. It was located in Marquette Park.
Rabbi Capers Funnye leads Beth Shalom. He is supported by assistant rabbis Avraham Ben Israel and Joshua V. Salter. Rabbi Funnye is deeply involved in the broader Jewish community. He serves on various boards. These include the Chicago Board of Rabbis and the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs. He also serves as Vice President of the Israelite Board of Rabbis.
In 2021 Beth Shalom made history. Tamar Manasseh became the first woman ordained as a rabbi at the synagogue. This marked a significant step. It reflected Beth Shalom’s commitment to progress and inclusion.
Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken EHC remains a vital center. It offers a place of worship. It welcomes all people of the Hebrew-Israelite faith. The synagogue emphasizes the family unit. It promotes strong families. It encourages individuals to be responsible and respected members of society.
Beth Shalom stands as more than just a building. It represents resilience, community, and the ongoing journey of faith. It blends traditions and embraces the future. It is a testament to the enduring spirit.