Although Elder Immanuel Uzoewulu
(known by many as “Emma Shabath”) is no longer with us, but his contribution in
the growth of Judaism has left a mark on the pathway for everybody to see.
Whenever history is written, it remembers people and the great exploits that
significantly kept many on the right track of movement. Yes, the same can be
said about “Emma Shabath” concerning his
impact and dedication to the sustenance of Judaism in Anambra State, beginning
from his home town in Nnewi.
Looking Back At History
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| Late Emmanuel Ben Moshe |
Emmanuel Ben Moshe was born on 20th
August 1932, to the family of Uzoewulu in Otolo Nnewi village, Anambra State. It’s
on record that he was truly one of the early keepers of Shabath in the Igbo
region of the country.
But at that time, the “Christian Shabath” as it is known by most people, was more predominant. The change that came triggered the emergence of Judaism as the new movement- revealing many important hidden truths. The early adopters and founding fathers exerted a lot of energies to propagate the spread of Judaism around the eastern region and beyond.
But at that time, the “Christian Shabath” as it is known by most people, was more predominant. The change that came triggered the emergence of Judaism as the new movement- revealing many important hidden truths. The early adopters and founding fathers exerted a lot of energies to propagate the spread of Judaism around the eastern region and beyond.
Throughout the early history, the Igbos who occupy the eastern regions and other areas in the southern part of Nigeria have been known to display practical customs and tradition similar to the Jews in Israel.
Previous Post: An Interview With Hezekiah Moshe On His Recent Teaching Tour Across Some Jewish Synagogues In Nigeria
Shifting From The Former Into The Judaism Movement
The early encounter with Rabbi
Gorin and few others, who came before and after him to Nigeria, was the turning
point in history. Obviously, the new truth wasn’t just delivered on a silver
plate, but rather called for an instant switch of core believes and more
revelations concerning the Torah, and other Jewish principles dating back to
thousands of years ago. It was the call for the end of burnt animal sacrifices
still practiced by many at that time, and the real truth about the
“Mashiac” yet to come- that became the big twist, which made the whole difference.
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| The Judaism Movement |
Emmanuel Ben Moshe is no doubt
one of the early adopters of the Judaism movement in Nigeria. Many in Anambra
State refer to him as the “father of Judaism” following his full acceptance and
practice as far back as the late nineties. Most of the elderly ones today in
Judaism have testified tracing back their path into full Judaism through a
degree of effort from the person of “Emma Shabath.”
The Rosh Of Yisrael Amika Synagogue in Anambra State
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| December 2017: Prof. William Miles and "Emma Shabath" |
Until his demise, he was the Rosh
of Yisrael Amika Synagogue located in Otolo Nnewi of Anambra State. Throughout
his active days in Judaism, majority of the residents never knew his real
names; except the “Emma Shabath” that he was fondly called by almost everyone
due to his love for Shabath-keeping. The
Synagogue he founded continued to represent and spread the Jewish legacies in
the surrounding communities.
The Rosh was known as a lover of
books and read a large collection of Jewish related books. He never hid his
love for Israel in most of his talks, and highly welcomed the idea of uniting
and strengthening the Judaism movement in Eastern Nigeria. He was actively
involved in some of the top Jewish Organizations in the east with the
initiative of building a united front and achieving community growth.
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| 2017: Palace of King Igwe Kenneth Onyemaeke Orizu III |
His Synagogue was one of those
visited last year by Professor William Miles of North Eastern University in
Boston, Massachusetts. He was also part of the team that led the visiting Professor
to the palace of His Royal Highness, King of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Onyemaeke
Orizu III. He did express his joy to have been alive to witness the tour of the
American professor around the Synagogues in his home state. He reiterated that
the participation of more foreign Jews in similar missions will foster unity
among the Igbo Jews and drive home the message that we’re not alone on this
chosen path of life.
A “SHELOSHIM” In Honour Of The Rosh
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| Wives of Emmanuel Ben Moshe: Angelina & Benedict |
In attendance were the Rosh of
several Synagogues in Anambra, other members, and visitors from other parts of
the country. The prayer for the occasion was led by Nathan, the Kazan of Avishai Synagogue Nkpor. Seated next to the Kazan was Sar Habakkuk Nwafor (Tikvat
Israel Synagogue Abuja) and Daniel Okolie, who is the Rosh of Beth Shalom
Knesset Synagogue Awka and the president of Judaism Fellowship Initiative
Nigeria. Rosh Benson, the leader of King of Glory Yahudim Assembly which is now Melek Kivot Synagogue Nnewi also graced this memorable occasion.
Indeed, A Life Well Spent
From the eulogy presented after
the end of the prayer session, it was obvious how greatly the Rosh will be
missed by both the family members and others at large. There were moments of tears
when two of the grownup granddaughters stood before the crowd to describe the
life of their grandfather and recounted a few touching stories about their
relationship with him while growing up.
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| Kazan Nathan: Saying Prayers at the graveside |
There were two other speakers
before the granddaughters. One of them was Sar Habakkuk who repeatedly
addressed the late Rosh as a man of peace and knowledge. He started by singing
two songs in Hebrew, to stir up the emotion of the listening audience before he
began to speak. He further acknowledged the role of “Emma Shabath” in
convincing many from the onset that Judaism is the light and the hidden truth
unknown to majority of the early Sabbatarian. Sar Habakkuk then expressed his wish to see the late Rosh mentioned in any of the Jewish magazines to make him truly the hero he was by making Judaism popular and showing many the light. Then he ended by thanking
everyone that attended the occasion and prayed for safe return through the
protection of Hashem.
Other random speakers advised the
family of the late Rosh to continue to uphold the legacy of their father and
remain active on the path of Judaism as a good example to others, which is something
“Emma Shabath” would definitely wish for.
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| Some of His Grown Children |
- Wives
- Children
- Grand Children
- Great Grand Children, and
- Many Relations
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| Dan Okolie, President of Judaism Fellowship Initiative of Nigeria |
The Burial Service (Sheloshim) was conducted by:
- Yisrael Amika Synagogue Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State on the 10th of May, 2018
- Judaism Fellowship Initiative of Nigeria
We wish to use this medium to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this occasion, through one way or the other. Your deeds will be rewarded abundantly as you played your role in honoring "Emma Shabath" in fulfillment of his final Jewish right on earth.
Indeed, he will be truly missed by all of us; as his works, efforts and contributions will always remain in our memories for many years to come.
Shalom!
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