Judaism in Africa
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Judaism has had close ties with the African continent since time immemorial. The earliest example of Judaism in Africa is the revealing of the Ten Commandments to the Jewish people on Mt. Saini. Additionally, some Jewish communities in Africa are perhaps some of the oldest in the world, dating back more than 2700 years.
The Igbo Jews of Nigeria have been receiving large shipments of books from communities in the United States in hopes of re-learning their forgotten Jewish past and strengthening the community. Such books include hundreds of Tanakhs and siddurim, as well as other books on Jewish history, wisdom and experiences. The Igbo Jews believe they are one of the lost tribes of Israel and recently there has been a re-awakening of interest in their heritage and many have returned to complete, mainstream Judaism. Still other communities in Nigeria are forming Messianic congregations. Unlike in other places, where Messianic Judaism leads Jews away from their faith by believing in Jesus, in communities in Africa, Messianic Judaism is often the first step in the path towards normative Judaism, as they gradually abandon their belief in Jesus whatsoever.
Similar communities such as the Jews of Ghana, the Lemba of South Africa also believe they are part of the lost tribes of Israel and have returned to mainstream Judaism. The Rusape Jews of Zimbabwe, although considering Jesus as a prophet, too are gradually shifting to mainstream Judaism.
Most of the practices of these African Jewish communities are Orthodox in nature. Unlike in the Western world, there are few, if any denominational splits.[citation needed] This has enabled the communities to remain strong and united in spirit and belief.
