Delegation to Visit Indigenous Jewish Communities in Kenya and Uganda

A delegation from Los Angeles will travel to East Africa in January to connect with two of the continent’s long-standing indigenous Jewish communities. The mission begins on January 12 in Nairobi, where the group will meet members of the city’s Jewish community before continuing to Kenya’s Laikipia district for Shabbat with Kehillat Israel Kasuku, a small and resilient community that has preserved its Jewish identity for generations.

The journey continues in Uganda with the Abayudaya Jewish community, where the delegation will spend Shabbat, learn about local traditions, and share in the rich spiritual life of an African Jewish community that has grown through determination and faith. The group aims to encourage these communities with their presence, energy, and financial support.

Indigenous Jewish communities in Kenya and Uganda have maintained their heritage for more than a century. While they remain connected to one another, they operate independently from Nairobi’s largely expatriate Jewish community. They rely on partnerships with Jewish communities abroad, particularly in the United States, to sustain education, religious life, and community programming in environments where resources are limited.

Their story reflects a vibrant and authentic expression of Judaism in Africa. In Uganda, the Abayudaya community traces its origins to 1919 under the leadership of Semei Kakungulu, a prominent figure who embraced Judaism after studying the Torah. He taught his followers to observe core commandments, and within a year the community grew to nearly 8,000 people. Despite challenges, including repression during the Idi Amin regime, the Abayudaya continued to practice Judaism in secret and later rebuilt openly.

The opening of the Israeli embassy in Kampala in the 1960s linked the community to global Jewry, helping shape a transition from biblical to rabbinic Judaism. In 2002, the Abayudaya completed a formal halachic conversion process that aligned their practices with mainstream Judaism while honoring their unique heritage. Today, they maintain synagogues, educate their youth, and contribute a distinct African voice to global Jewish life.

“We are humbled to be welcomed into these communities,” said the trip organizers. “Their history and devotion speak to the depth of African Jewish identity. We hope our visit strengthens relationships and supports their vision for a thriving future.”

This mission highlights a broader story of connection across cultures and continents. It also reflects a growing global interest in the diversity of Jewish life in Africa, where communities continue to preserve ancient traditions while shaping new chapters of religious and cultural expression.

For those who wish to support this journey, the fundraising link through Temple Beth Am is available here: https://www.pledge.to/tbafrica-2026-fundraising-1556