Preservation of Bnei Menashe female heritage
Shavei Israel works very hard to facilitate the aliyah and integration of the Bnei Menashe from India. But also important is the facilitation and preservation of the deep traditions that the community holds dear. As such, one of the many activities Shavei focuses on is special workshops for the Bnei Menashe women, available to the over 1000 Bnei Menashe immigrants in Nof Hagalil.
The workshops have a unique focus on the heritage of the Bnei Menashe women, and their traditions, such as learning how to make special fabrics, singing, dancing, traditional clothing, preparing traditional food and more.
The workshops are held at the Nof Hagalil Bnot Menashe Center, and the programs are coordinated by Einal Kafah, who teaches the Bnei Menashe girls, and who specialized in gender studies and sociology.
The girls and women gather two – four times a month and participate in a workshop that includes collecting materials, collecting photos, music, embroidery, dancing and more.