Convention Report 2012
"How good and how pleasant it is for us to dwell together in unity" Psalm 133:1
Hundreds of black Jews representing over seven congregations in the United States with affiliated congregations in South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, and several Caribbean nations, gather in Chicago from June 22-24, 2012, to celebrate a convention of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis. The date coincided with the anniversary of the birth of the person most credited with bringing Judaism to people of African descent in the Western Hemisphere, Chief Rabbi W.A. Matthew (23 June 1892- 3 Dec 1973).
This historic event was hosted by Rabbi Capers Funnye, spiritual leader of Beth Shalom Bnai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation. The event represented a celebration of unity and shared Judaic identity. The Sabbath service, conducted in Hebrew and English, using a traditional prayer book featured a very rare occurrence: the ordination of a new black rabbi, an inspired leader named Yahath Ben Yehudah. Rabbi Yehudah was born James Brazelton in Gary, Indiana. He is a former United States Marine and Vietnam War veteran. Rabbi Yehudah successfully completed his rabbinic training at the Israelite Rabbinical Academy, which was founded in 1925. Rabbi Yehudah will be assisting Rabbi Funnye at this rapidly growing and racially diverse congregation, which has become one of the flagship synagogues in the Israelite community.
Several choirs performed during the spiritually moving services. All the rabbis and leaders who were present spoke over the three day event and each brought a powerful message of hope, unity, and faith. The gathering also honored one of its esteemed elders, Rabbinet Leah Yahonatan, wife of the late Rabbi Yehoshua Yahonatan. It also recognized the achievements of distinguished members of their community who had excelled in various fields of endeavor. (See Pictures) (Video)