The Black Hebrew Israelites (also called Black Hebrews, African Hebrew Israelites, and Hebrew Israelites) are groups of African Americans who believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites. Black Hebrews adhere in varying degrees to the religious beliefs and practices of both Christianity and Judaism. They are not recognized as Jews by the greater Jewish community. Many choose to identify as Hebrew Israelites or Black Hebrews rather than as Jews to distinguish themselves from normative Judaism.
The exact origins of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement are unknown. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many African Americans were beginning to explore their African roots and embrace various forms of Pan-Africanism. This led to the emergence of various groups and factions asserting they were returning to their Hebraic roots before slavery. Scholars generally trace Black Hebrew Israelite lineage to Frank Cherry and William Saunders Crowdy, who both established congregations during the late 19th century. Cherry established the Church of the Living God, the Pillar Ground of Truth for All Nations in 1886, mixing elements of Judaism and Christianity. Crowdy established the Church of God and Saints of Christ in 1896, teaching that African Americans were descendants of the biblical Hebrews.
The beliefs and practices of Black Hebrew groups vary considerably. Most believe they are descended from the biblical Israelites of the Old Testament. They point to the trans-Atlantic slave trade as evidence that Africans living in America are the true Hebrew descendants of figures like Abraham, Moses, and King David. While some Black Hebrews fully embrace Judaism and Torah observance, most retain elements of Christianity alongside Hebrew practices. Black Hebrews observe some biblical holidays and Sabbath, use Hebrew names, and focus on Old Testament dietary restrictions. Their religious beliefs tend toward the more fundamentalist and literalist interpretations of the Bible.
While sociologists estimate around 200,000 identify as Black Hebrews or Israelites in some capacity, their claims to Israelite heritage have been met with resistance from both Christians and Jews. Black Hebrew theology asserts that Africans, not modern Jews, are the true descendants of the ancient Israelites. This runs contrary to norms within Judaism and Christianity. Neither traditional Judaism nor Christianity believes that biblical Israelites were originally African. Black Hebrews are not recognized as Jews by any mainstream Jewish denomination. However, some individual synagogues and rabbis have interacted warmly with the movement.
Within Christianity, Black Hebrew theology has sometimes been associated with antisemitic and anti-Jewish attitudes. However, most Black Hebrews reject charges of antisemitism, emphasizing their belief in ancient Israelite identity. They seek to assert Africans’ place at the center, not the expense, of biblical history. Some Black Hebrew factions have strayed into extremism, racism, and hate speech. But most today emphasize the message of African redemption and empowerment over antagonism toward Jews or whites.
Here is a summary of key beliefs and practices:
- Black Hebrews believe they are literal descendants of the ancient biblical Israelites.
- They identify as Hebrews or Israelites rather than as Jews.
- Black Hebrew origins trace back to late 19th century black nationalist movements.
- Doctrines and practices vary widely, with influences from Christianity and Judaism.
- Most observe some Old Testament laws and holidays.
- Hebrew Israelite claims are not acknowledged by mainstream Judaism.
- A minority of groups have promoted extremist ideologies.
- Most modern Black Hebrews emphasize spiritual redemption over racial hatred.
In the Bible, the first mention of the Hebrew people comes in Genesis 14, where Abram (later called Abraham) is called “Abram the Hebrew” (Genesis 14:13). The name Hebrew refers to Eber, one of Abraham’s distant ancestors (Genesis 10:21). It distinguishes Abraham and his descendants as a specific people group with roots stretching back to Eber and Shem, Noah’s son. The Hebrews are further set apart as the chosen people of God through God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15). God promises to bless Abraham and make him into a great nation, with descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5).
The story of the Hebrews unfolds as God fulfills this promise to Abraham. Abraham’s grandson Jacob, later called Israel (Genesis 32:28), fathers 12 sons who become the ancestors of the 12 tribes of Israel. After Joseph helps Egypt survive a severe famine, the Hebrews settle in Egypt. Generations later their descendants are enslaved by the Egyptians until God uses Moses to deliver them out of bondage through miracles and plagues (Exodus 7-12). God leads them to Mount Sinai where he makes a covenant with them and gives Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws to govern the new nation (Exodus 19-24). Joshua eventually leads them into Canaan, the Promised Land. The books of Joshua through 2 Kings record the history of ancient Israel in the land from Joshua’s conquest to the destruction of the kingdom and the people’s exile to Babylon.
The original promise to Abraham was that he would be father of a great nation and that through him all peoples on earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). This blessing was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham (Matthew 1:1). Jesus came as Israel’s Messiah to redeem and save the world, including both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). The New Testament teaches that all who put faith in Jesus become spiritual descendants of Abraham and heirs to God’s covenant promises (Galatians 3:29). This spiritual connection is more important than physical lineage, as the Apostle Paul explained: “For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel… it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring” (Romans 9:6,8).
Black Hebrews believe the trans-Atlantic slave trade fulfills prophecies like Deuteronomy 28:68, which warns that Israelites who break God’s laws will be taken as captives to serve in a foreign land. They cite oral histories and songs that indicate their ancestors originally came from Africa and the ancient Near East. As evidence for Israelite origins, Black Hebrews also point to teachings that Africans are descendants of figures like King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, finding genetic connections between Africa and ancient Israel. Academic research has not supported claims that Hebrew Israelites became a major part of the ancestors of modern Africans. But advocates argue oral traditions offer alternative evidence.
While tracing their origins back to the ancient Hebrews of the Bible, modern Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs borrow from both Judaism and Christianity for current religious practices. Most Black Hebrews regard the Bible as their central scripture. They affirm both Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and New Testament writings as the inspired Word of God. But in seeking to restore ancient Hebrew practice, they grant more authority to laws and narratives from the Old Testament books.
Dietary restrictions follow Old Testament kosher laws. Pork is forbidden as unclean, along with shellfish, rabbit, eagle, owl, and certain other foods (Leviticus 11). Biblical holidays like Passover, Pentecost, Trumpets, and Tabernacles are observed based on the Old Testament lunar calendar. The Sabbath is kept on Saturday, and many eschew Christmas as a pagan-inspired holiday with no biblical basis. Hebrew Israelite dress and head coverings also emulate styles from ancient Israel. Names like Israel, Judah, Moses, and Abraham remain common. Yahweh, Yah, Yahuah, or Ahayah are used for God’s name based on interpretations of Exodus 3:14. Yashaya or Yahusha are preferred forms of Jesus, who Himself would have been called Yeshua in Hebrew during His earthly life.
At the same time, Black Hebrews incorporate central elements of New Testament belief. Jesus is revered as the Son of God who died for human sin. Salvation is attained through faith in Christ, not by good works or law keeping alone. Heaven, hell, and spiritual forces like angels and demons all exist in Black Israelite theology. Gospel music and charismatic worship have traditionally infused Black Hebrew practice. Since the 19th century black church was foundational in forming the movement, it retains a distinctly Christian flavor. This sets groups like the Black Hebrew Israelites apart from Messianic Jews who more fully embrace Jewish identity and norms.
Black Hebrew Israelites are excluded from the Jewish population in major surveys and studies. neither Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionist Judaism accept that Black Hebrew Israelites have Jewish ancestry. Genetic studies do not support direct biological descent from ancient Israelites. Rabbinic authorities require conversion for those without Jewish mothers. Some Black Hebrews reject conversion, seeing it as a surrender of their preexisting Israelite heritage. Others have converted through traditional channels. But overall the Black Hebrew Israelite identity remains distinct from Judaism.
At the same time, Hebrew Israelites report various responses from individual Jews. Some express skepticism or hostility, while others affirm Hebrew Israelite groups out of a sense of common roots. In the 1960s, Black Hebrews achieved positive recognition from Rabbi Matthew, who called them “noble descendents of Abraham” and supported their spiritual journey. Relations have sometimes been cordial in local contexts. The 1990s saw increasing contact between Black Hebrews and traditional Jews. Representative groups like the Alliance of Black Jews have sought to generate understanding between both communities. But the prevailing Jewish view remains that Hebrew Israelites must convert to be acknowledged as Jewish.
The question of the relationship between Black Hebrew Israelites and Judaism relates to the group’s attitude toward the mainstream Jewish community. Are Hebrew Israelites antagonistic toward Jews, or do they seek to build up common bonds between two peoples with shared roots? The answer differs from group to group. Most renounce any hatred while focusing on their own vision of heritage and redemption. Others have promoted racial conflict and anti-Jewish views. Some examples help illustrate the range:
- Frank Cherry’s Church of the Living God, the Pillar Ground of Truth for All Nations respects Judaism and asks members to “build up the Jewish nation through constructive actions”.
- Wentworth Arthur Matthew’s Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation does not consider itself a Jewish organization but respects normative Judaism. Jews are seen as “heirs to the Abrahamic covenant”.
- The African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem received Israeli permanent residency in 2003 after 30 years, but still maintain a distinct identity and practice.
- Some radical Hebrew Israelite factions embrace vehement antisemitic rhetoric against Jews as imposters or descendents of Satan.
- Most Black Hebrews focus on positive cultural identity and do not advocate racial hatred or violence.
The vast majority of Black Hebrew Israelites do not promote anti-Jewish views today. Negative stereotyping often derives from the movement’s early 20th century origins alongside some radical black separatist groups. Historic associations with harassment and antisemitic teachings still create barriers to mainstream acceptance. But most modern Black Hebrew communities reject supremacist attitudes for a message of African cultural empowerment and spiritual renewal. They seek social and economic uplift for black communities more than conflict with Jews or whites as a whole.
Here are 5 key takeaways on the beliefs and practices of Hebrew Israelites:
1. Black Hebrews believe Africans are the true descendents of biblical Israelites. Academic research has not affirmed this belief, but it remains central to Hebrew Israelite identity and is based on generations of oral history.
2. Doctrines borrow from both Christianity and Judaism, with emphasis on Old Testament laws. Hebrew Israelite theology blends elements of the black church with Jewish practices like Sabbath, biblical holidays, and kosher diet.
3. Mainstream Judaism does not accept Black Hebrews’ ancestral claims. Some rabbis have shown openness, and a few groups have embraced formal conversion. But Jewish identity remains distinct from Hebrew Israelites.
4. A minority of Black Hebrew sects have promoted anti-Jewish hostility. But most focus on cultivating positive identity and community without supremacist attitudes.
5. Black Hebrews provide a source of spiritual meaning and ethnic pride for thousands of African Americans seeking to reconnect with their roots.
In conclusion, the Black Hebrew Israelites represent an effort by African Americans to explore their heritage through the lens of biblical Israel. Their rejection by mainstream Judaism reflects the complexities of defining ethnicity and religion in the modern world. While controversial in origin, most modern Black Hebrews now focus more on inner spiritual renewal than racial conflict. Their journey represents another thread in the diverse tapestry that is modern faith.