KING OF GLORY YAHUDIM ASSEMBLY IS NOW MELEK KIVOT SYNAGOGUE!

By Abraham Ben Abraham

Significance of the Tour of Eastern Nigeria

After the visit of Professor William Miles to Avishai Synagogue in Nkpor, the next location on our schedule was another synagogue in Nnewi. The tour around Anambra in Eastern Nigeria was getting quite interesting and evident in the degree of rousing welcome the visitors has so far received. Early that morning shortly after sunrise, we drove from the home of Sar Habakkuk in Nnewi to meet with members of Avishai Synagogue (situated on the topmost floor of a 4-storey building in Nkpor). The Rosh, Emmanuel Ikegbunam, received the traveling team and led the way through the stairs into the synagogue to join the prayer session.

Rosh Benson, Prof. William, and Sar Habakkuk

The cooperation between Tikvat Israel Synagogue Abuja and Avishai Synagogue has grown over the years. The importance of strengthening the Judaism network in Eastern Nigeria has been demonstrated as a necessary movement that will unite a great number of the Igbos together in one faith. This was why the venture of professor Miles for the first time into the heartland of the Igbo Jews provided the much needed boast and motivation, especially for the younger children who are the future of Judaism in Nigeria. Sar Habakkuk had initially started the “Keruv” by touring over seven synagogues in two states in June 2017, carrying the Sefar Torah along with him. The purpose of the whole visit was to spread the love of Judaism and develop stronger cooperation between the Jews both in Northern Nigeria and in the East beginning from Anambra State.

Gathering of the Rosh from Four Synagogues in Anambra State

They came in quite a number, representing each of their synagogues, accompanied by other members- to be part of this historic visit. Usually, it was mostly the celebration of key Jewish occasions that would bring different Rosh together. But they gathered on that day, being the ‘Day Two’ of the tour, to witness the grand visit of a Jewish professor who is accompanied by Sar Habakkuk, in what seems the continuation of the great tour started in June 2017.

Rosh Benson delivering a speech at Melek Kivot Synagogue

Shortly after the prayer session, it was time to interact with the visitor from the United States and grasp the message he would deliver to the audience. Seated around in circles, and with the women listening from the adjourning room- the meeting got underway. Everybody had to introduce themselves in front of the professor who was full of smiles to get to meet all the people around including the children. The discussion lasted for almost 3 hours, comprising of the following:

• Speech by professor Miles
•  Question and Answer session
• Presentation of gifts
• Group photographs
• Merriment (food and drinks)

Then at the end of this historic gathering being on a Thursday, it was announced that the professor will be keeping the Shabbat at Beth Shalom Knesset in Awka, which is the capital of Anambra State and about 30 minutes drive from Nkpor.

King of Glory Yahudim Assembly is now renamed as Melek Kivot Synagogue

One of the Rosh that took part in the question and answer session was Avraham Benson, where he did explained that the remembrance of the Jewish holocaust yearly festival by the Igbos is mostly because of its similarities to what the Igbos suffered during the time of the Biafran/Nigerian civil war. Rosh Benson is the leader of the 4th synagogues visited during the tour; just shortly after we left the Avishai Synagogue.

Young Girls in Melek Kivot Synagogue

Upon arriving at the location led by the Rosh, we learnt that King of Glory Yahudim Assembly is now Melek Kivot Synagogue. The change of name was in line with their effort to enhance the use of Hebrew language and to follow the trend of Jewish naming of synagogues in Eastern Nigeria. Most of the Jewish synagogues in Nigeria are encouraging the learning of Jewish education through history and grammar pronunciation of the Hebrew alphabets.

There was a crowd of people patiently waiting for the arrival of Professor William many hours before we finally drove in through the gates. So, without wasting further time the meeting started in a small hall located by the right side of the compound. As usual, the event began with the introduction segment by calling out the names as recorded in the attendance list. It was truly an honour to get to meet Professor Williams and Sar Habakkuk one-on-one who were seated in front of the crowd during the introduction. Members of the synagogues were all filled with smiles to witness the visit of the Jewish professor for the very first time in Melek Kivot Synagogue Nnewi.

William Miles

During the interaction session, Rosh Avraham Benson explained that Judaism is the Faith which will unite a greater number of the Igbos together, in an effort to connect back to their original root. He emphasized the need to ensure further cooperation with all the synagogues, in not just Anambra State but throughout the Eastern region. The younger children indeed have a greater role to play in this course, as the future and growth of Judaism depends on the extent of continuity passed down from parents to the children. This is the reason he focuses on looking for creative and easy ways to motivate the younger children in the synagogues to learn the Hebrew language, which would be a compulsory education in Melek Kivot Synagogue. He further stated that the overall target is to ultimately go beyond just the ability to read the letters and words, but to be able to speak, communicate fluently, and write in Hebrew.

A Banquet in Honor of Professor Miles

His visit to Anambra State is truly historic, and one that will not be forgotten in a hurry. Bringing unity, encouraging the Jewish brothers and sisters, and a source of motivation to the youths and younger children- are basically part of the things achieved at the end. Establishing the fact that the Igbo Jews are not alone on this course, but have the support of both the Jews in America and other parts around the globe has nevertheless become a factor that is now strengthening the Judaism network in Nigeria.

In honour of the visitor, we were treated to a banquet held inside the main hall in Melek kivot Synagogue. There was plenty to eat and plenty to drink, and everyone were absolutely happy at the end. Soon, it was time to leave this wonderful and gracious set of people after spending about two hours in their synagogue. We were given a ride all the way back to the home of Sar Habakkuk in Nnewi. The Rosh thanked William Miles and wished him success to continue and conclude the remaining part of the road trip from Abuja to the heartland of the Igbos, and across the border into Yaounde in Cameroon.

The Jewish community at Yaounde, Cameroon

Just like all the other synagogues visited, Melek Kivot Synagogue also received a gift from Professor William and Sar Habakkuk. From the former they got the menorah candle stands on behalf of Rabbi Franklin in the United States, and from the latter they received copies of the Jewish prayer books brought to Nigeria by Lucy Steinitz during the Yom Kippur.

William Miles with Jewish Friends in Yaounde, Cameroon

Shalom!
RELATED POST: Two Hebrew Men Visit The Palace Of Two Traditional Kings In Eastern Nigeria 

TWO HEBREW MEN VISIT THE PALACE OF TWO TRADITIONAL KINGS IN EASTERN NIGERIA

By Abraham Ben Abraham

William Miles and Sar Habakkuk

When the news of his planned visit was announced in the synagogue, it was greeted with shouts of joy and excitement. Professor William Miles has been seen as a very close friend of the synagogue, haven attended quite a number of Jewish festivals here with us at Tikvat Israel Synagogue Abuja. Even before gracing the occasion of Hezekiah’s Bar Mitzvah in 2011, he was part of the Hanukkah celebration in Abuja two years earlier. Indeed, memories of that Bar Mitzvah is still fresh in our minds- with guests in attendance from the United States and friends from some synagogues in Eastern Nigeria.

Tikvat Israel Synagogue Abuja has enjoyed a great friendship over the years with Jews in the US and Israel as well. Lucy Steinitz was here during the last Yom Kippur, bringing donations of Jewish prayer books on behalf of Kulanu. A large number of these books would be distributed in various synagogues by Sar Habakkuk Nwafor who will be accompanying Professor William on the tour around Eastern Nigeria scheduled in December 2017.

Photo with the King of Nnewi

It was a long road trip from Abuja through the middle belt and across the River Niger into the East. The remarkable thing about this visit was that it would be the first time Professor William will be venturing beyond Abuja into the very heartland of the Igbo people. Although he has visited Nigeria many times in the past, his movement has been restricted only in the northern parts of the country. However, this maiden visit was a call to strengthen the Judaism movement by meeting and interacting with fellow brothers in several synagogues in the east.

The first place of call was the palace of His Royal Highness, King of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Onyemaeke Orizu III. Sar Habakkuk led a small team made up of some Jewish members through the gates into the palace of the king. They were welcomed by the king who was thrilled of the visit of a Jewish professor at that time of the year.  As a gesture of total acceptance, they we offered kolanut by the king who prayed that the purpose of the tour around the Igbo land would have a positive outcome at the end. He ensured the visitor of maximum security and urged him to freely move around and learn the much he can about the Igbo people during his short period of stay in Nnewi, the home town of Sar Habakkuk.

That same day, being the Day one of the tour around Anambra State, two synagogues were visited by Sar Habakkuk and Professor William. One of the synagogue is located right there at Nnewi (Beney Yisrael Synagogue) and the Divine Seed Synagogue in Neni, a small village at the outskirt of Nnewi. How exciting it was to have the visiting guest from the United States- signifying a sense of unity between the Jews in America and Nigeria. Members of the synagogues expressed their happiness when Sar Habakkuk presented free Jewish materials to enhance their practice and worship in Judaism. The materials given out included copies of the JPS Bible, Encyclopedia Judaica, and the Jewish Prayer Books.

Emma Sabbath and William Miles

In Beney Yisrael Synagogue, Professor Milles received Igbo traditional gifts which included chieftaincy cap, long beads, and a locally-made shirt. To mark the visit of the two Hebrew guests, the synagogue presented kolanut, fruits, drinks, and plenty things to eat. In his speech, he relayed the message from his Rabbi in America, Rabbi Franklin, and also presented some gifts to the synagogues. At the end of the long busy day, it was time to retire back to the home of Sar Habakkuk to take a rest and prepare for the next day. The schedules for the following day (Thursday) include the visit of Professor William Miles to Avishai Synagogue in Nkpor, and another synagogue in Nnewi, Kevot Melek.

After the Shabbat keeping in Beth Shalom Knesset Synagogue Awka, in the capital of Anambra State, the two Hebrew men drove straight to the palace of the legendary king of Igbo land in Aguleri. Being on a Sunday, it was by a twist of luck to be allowed into the throne room of the King, His Royal Majesty, Eze  Chukwuemeka Eri who has been on the throne for over 46 years. We were thrilled to find pictures hanging on the wall showing the king’s numerous trips to the United States where he visited a number of Jewish organizations on the agenda of recognizing the Igbo people as descendants of one of the tribes of the Israelites.

B Miles, Sar Habakkuk, His Majesty the King in Aguleri

Sitting right beside the throne with the king, he offered kolanut and a Naira note as a symbol of welcoming his guests. Without much hesitation, he took quite some moment to show us around the palace, explaining the events of the past which is symbolic to the culture and history of the Igbo people. Then he instructed his son, Prince Chukwuemeka, to show us the “Wonder Tree” which was the burial site of the first king of the Igbo origin. We were surprised to find out that the “Wonder Tree” was made up of three separate giant trees with their root visibly joined together and have been inseparable for over 2,500 years!

Abraham Ben Abraham, W Miles, Sar Habakkuk, Chief Isimmili                                                                       

When we returned back to Nnewi that afternoon, it was time to pack our luggage ahead of the next trip the following day which involve crossing the border at Ikom (Cross River State, Southern Nigeria) into Cameroon. The visit to the throne of King Chukwuemeka signaled the end of the tour around Anambra State. Which means that the historic maiden visit of Professor William to the Eastern region of Nigeria started from the palace of the King in Nnewi, and ended in the palace of another king in Aguleri.

Shalom! 

THE JUDAISM MOVEMENT: ROAD TRIP FROM ABUJA TO THE HEARTLAND OF THE IGBOS, AND ACROSS THE BORDER INTO YAOUNDE’ IN CAMEROON

By Abraham Ben Abraham

B Miles and Hezekiah during Hanukkah

Hanukkah has always been a period of great joy for Jews all over the world, in remembrance of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.  The eight days festival symbolically represents the eight days the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned after the Temple was purified, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day’s lighting.  Joining the rest of the Jews around the globe to mark this memorable occasion from Tikvat Israel Synagogue Abuja- we celebrated it in style and most importantly with our guest from the United States. Professor William Miles has just come down from the Republic of Niger where he went to visit some friends, and then joined us for the remaining days of the feast of Hanukkah. This would mark his third Hanukkah in Abuja in the last 10 years or so.

The Journey to The East

The story of the Travelling Torah was the initial movement that sought to strengthen the Judaism network throughout Eastern Nigeria starting from Anambra State. In the middle of 2017, Sar Habakkuk travelled and reached out to over seven synagogues in eastern Nigeria and Delta State, carrying the Torah along with him. During the tour, he attended a couple of Jewish occasions including Bar/Bart Mitzvahs, making it possible for many people especially Jewish children to see the Sefar Torah for the very first time.

Shortly after Hanukkah in Abuja, all has been planned to uphold this movement by returning back to the east, but this time around in the company of Professor Miles. Putting the plans into motion would see the professor venturing beyond the north for the first time, into the heartland of the Igbo Jews. The trip from Abuja to Anambra State is approximately 450 kilometers overland, and would take about 7 to 10 hours due to traffic and other road factors. The tour around Anambra State was slated for only seven days, and seven synagogues would be visited, including the palace of two highly placed Igbo traditional kings.

Summary of the Tour around Anambra

The following synagogue was visited by Professor William Miles in the company of Sar Habakkuk, all in Anambra State:

•  Divine Seed Synagogue, Neni
•  Beney Yisraael Synagogue, Nnewi
• The Visit of Professor Williams Miles to Avishai Synagogue in Nkpor
•  Melek Kevot Synagogue, Nnewi
• Torah Haqadosh Jewish Congregation, Awka
• Shabbath keeping in Beth Shalom Knesset Synagogue Awka

Related Post: Two Hebrew Men Visit the Palace of Two Traditional Kings in Eastern Nigeria

Shalom From Yaounde in Cameroon

The next phase of the Judaism movement will be extended to the neighboring country, which is Cameroon. From Nnewi we hired a car and traveled through Enugu and Ebonyi State, down to the border area at Ikom in Cross River State- covering at least another 200 kilometers.

Sar Habakkuk and Prof. William in Yaounde

At Mfom, there’s a bridge over a deep river valley separating Nigeria and Cameroon. Going across the bridge and successfully clearing through all the border security checks, I heard Professor William said “Baruk Hashem.” It has been a long road travelled so far, and for him it would be his third country of visit in the month of December.

William Miles in Yaounde, Cameroon

We spent the night at Ekok, a small border community in Cameroon to catch our breath and prepare for the 600 kilometers road trip to Yaoundé early the following day which was after Christmas. Sadly for me, my journey ended at this point. So, I bade them farewell in the morning and returned back into Nigeria- very happy anyway to have been part of this historic movement.

Sar Habakkuk in Yaounde, Cameroon

How excited to later hear from Sar Habakkuk that their visit to Yaounde was truly amazing and the Jewish community they met there were wonderful people. They kept the next Shabbat in the synagogue at Yaounde and did enjoy every bit of time spent with the Jewish brothers and sisters in Cameroon. He described them as lovely and very hospital people throughout their stay in that country. The venture of both men to discover and extend the love of Judaism from the United States and Nigeria, to the community in Cameroon has been hailed by everyone back here at home as simply astonishing. Hence, opening the road for further collaborations geared towards connecting the Jews around West Africa and Central Africa for the growth of Judaism in general.

Shalom!