In a major breakthrough for religious and historical scholarship, researchers have uncovered what is now considered the oldest-known collection of Ethiopian Jewish scriptures. The rare manuscripts, believed to date back to the 15th century, were written in Ge’ez—the ancient liturgical language used by the Beta Israel, Ethiopia’s Jewish community.
The sacred texts, known as the Orit, contain the Five Books of Moses, along with the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. Long preserved in secret by religious leaders and passed down through generations, the scrolls were hidden for centuries in remote Ethiopian villages before being revealed during a cultural preservation initiative.
Scholars describe the find as a significant link to a distinct Jewish tradition that evolved separately from mainstream Judaism. The Beta Israel community, often isolated due to geography and historical circumstances, developed unique religious practices while maintaining deep roots in biblical scripture.
Experts involved in the project say the manuscripts offer a rare glimpse into the oral traditions, rituals, and theological interpretations of Ethiopian Jewry. In some cases, the scrolls were memorized, chanted, and guarded by community elders, preserving sacred knowledge even when access to writing materials was limited.
Efforts are now underway to digitally preserve and study the texts. The discovery is being hailed as a cultural milestone—not only for the global Jewish community but also for African religious history and the broader understanding of how sacred texts have traveled, adapted, and survived across continents.
The manuscripts are expected to be displayed and made accessible to scholars and the public, ensuring that the legacy of Ethiopia’s Jewish heritage is protected and recognized for future generations.
