https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr-KqjaKLpw
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There's a documentary called "Awake Zion" that attempts to connect the beliefs of Rastas and Jews. I thought I watched it on Netflix but it doesn't appear to be available at this time. It was very interesting if you can find it.
From the Wiki page for the documentary:
Although Jews and Rastas appear different, both claim figures from the Old Testament as their forefathers, both send a message of truth and love to their followers, both speak of Zion, both have integrated their beliefs into their lifestyles and Rastafarians also claim to be descended from the children of Israel. Haim, who relates to and enjoys both cultures, raises the question, "if we're both identifying with the same things, are we not then identifying with one another?"
The Shaare Shalom Synagogue in Kingston was consecrated in 1704.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaare_Shalom_Synagogue
Since the Jewish people outdate the English many having arrived with the Spanish as early as 1494, it is not too surprising they have a strong presence in Jamaica. A good YouTube documentary explains a little.
http://youtu.be/xDxIyf_xgGY
Cap, Pong, great vids, thanks.
after 15 years on and off the island i never made the connection...thx to all three of you for the education....cap, you need to write a book
In many aspects Rastas are orthodox Jews. The locks are from the story of Samson and Delila. The dietary restrictions are also very Hebrew.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin, PA
When Solomon was an old man he went to Ethiopia and had a child with the Queen of Sheba. His name was Menelik. H.I.M. Haile Selassie claimed to be the direct descendant of Menelik.
The Rasta allegory is the story of the Babylonian captivity of the Jews by Nebuchadnezzar after the destruction of the first Temple
There are other even more interesting connections with Freemasonry. This would not be the place to discuss them but they are real
Much more to Jamaica than you might suspect. Just seek and ye shall find. (Google it <grin>)
Cap
Tis a deep rabbit hole indeed, many different turnings also. Agree though, not the place.Quote:
Originally Posted by captaind
True dat...yet we are all in this world together and we are all much more alike than different. As they say, "Out of many, one people."
With that said, that is part of the reason to educate ourselves with documented history. The older I get, the more I am interested in history. Thanks for the info. Research shall begin......:) Interesting thread indeed. Gotta keep an old mind fresh and in-tune with our past and future.
Dedicate some real time. It goes pretty deep if you explore all of the connections to be made (of which JA and Rasta is just one thread).Quote:
Originally Posted by yetta
Oh, thank you, for this! I need to look and research further regarding Jew and the Rasta connections.
Awake Zion is a very interesting documentary. It's available on Amazon streaming. I was able to get a copy from the producer to send down to some friends in Jamaica. The first time I came to Jamaica, in the 1980s, I was totally struck by the "Jewish" symbols I saw Rastas wearing. As a Jew, I always felt very comfortable being Jewish in Jamaica. I can't say the same for many places I have traveled.