Transmission, Interpretation, and Adaptation of Hebrew Bible Covenant Renewal Traditions in Beta Israel Traditions

Hebrew Bible covenant passages have been read annually by the Beta Israel Kesoč at Sigd ceremonies and on other occasions. Among them are Nehemiah 9-10 and Exodus 19-20, with major place allotted to the Decalogue. This study showcases a research project formatted within the Orit Guardians program that aims at studying the Beta Israel reading, translational and interpretive traditions from Ge’ez to Amharic, reflected in the ways the Kesoč bring those Hebrew Bible texts to their congregations. Questions of textual criticism and early translations, interpretive techniques, and oral transmission of interpretative traditions will be presented and discussed.