קונגרס העולמי ה-18 למדעי היהדות

The concept of "Mara Dathra" in the Beta Israel(Ethiopian Jews) community

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The concept of "Mara Dathra" in the Beta Israel(Ethiopian Jews) community

On one occasion I had the opportunity to hear a lesson from a rabbi, who argued that today`s halakhic reality, which has different customs and traditions, is a reality in retrospect. The vision is: Conformity of halakha when everyone will receive the Laws of the "Mara Datra" to Eretz Israel - Maran Beit Yosef - the Shulchan-Aruch.

This puzzling led me to search for lines that characterize the concept of "Mara Dathra" in the Beta Israel custom. there were no great differences in customs from village to village, however there were always differences that followed the instructions and behavior of the Mara Dathra of that village. Even the Keis arriving in another village follows the instructions of the local Keis. The reason for this is not technically cheapness or attainment as it emerges from the rabbinic tradition but the reason is substantial. The Ethiopian theological concept is based on the pluralistic notion that and there are therefore different channels for the worship God. It is this concept that has led to the practice of applying the law " Mara Dathra " to its end.

It seems to me that this pluralistic concept, as it is practiced in Beta Israel, has the possibility of providing answers to the question of how to understand the concept of "" Mara Dathra in our time?" Since the believer of our time is in other social circles of his place of residence. Of the local rabbi? Human affiliation to the rabbi is determined by the community to which he belongs in his neighborhood. To study the Torah, it depends on each person`s personal taste. What does the authority of the " Mara Dathra derive, whether by virtue of the crowd or his Torah knowledge or his good dimensions? But more In any case, should Ethiopian Jews continue to do this, should they abandon their customs and adopt local practices in Israel or should they continue as they did in Ethiopia?