The Abayudaya (Abayudaya is a Luganda word for "People of Judah") Masorti/Conservative communities are comprised of over 3,000 members spread among 10 villages and centers surrounding Mbale, in eastern Uganda, approximately five hours from the capital, Kampala. The 9 villages of Abayudaya in Uganda are: Kampala, Nabugoye, Nasenyi, Namanyonyi, Namutumba I, Namutumba II, Nalubembe, Apaac and Buseta, are recognized by the Masorti/conservative movement around the world.
 
 The Abayudaya live their daily lives committed to traditional Judaism, observing ritual slaughter and kashrut, celebrating Shabbat and holidays, reading Torah on Mondays and Thursdays and engaging in text study on a regular basis. Although religious observance has not been easy in the face of political developments over the years in Uganda, a strong leadership has persevered and the results can be seen and felt today.
 
 Two schools, the Hadassah Primary School and the Semei Kakungulu High School (known as S.K.) were established by the community so that the youth can learn Hebrew and Judaism in addition to following the regular Uganda government curriculum. It also enables the children to celebrate Shabbat, as regular schools in Uganda are in session on Saturdays. The schools are open to all, with Christian and Muslim neighbors studying together with the Jewish youth. There are dorms for those who live in villages further away. 

Rabbi Gershom Sizomu is the Chief Rabbi of the Abayudaya communities in Uganda and Kenya. Rabbi Gershom was ordained in 2008, after completing his five years of rabbinic studies at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

The Abayudaya community owes its origin to Semei Kakungulu, a Muganda military agent for the British missionaries who decided to practice Judaism upon his study and meditation of the Old Testament. He then adopted the observance of all Moses' commandments, including circumcision of himself and sons, and suggested this observance for all of his followers, and declared that his community was Jewish in 1919. The Abayudaya Jews follow Jewish practices and consider themselves Jews despite the absence of Israelite ancestry.

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Learn more about the Abayudaya communities:

Video on Abayudaya Communites (from 2018)

Video on the history of the Abayudaya communiy's Conversion to Judaism

The hills around the majestic Mt. Kenya are home to the Ol Kalou-Kasuku Jewish community, also known as Kehillat Israel Kenya. For over 20 years, this community has been observing mitzvot, keeping Shabbat, maintaining kashrut, celebrating different Jewish holidays/festivals, and following Jewish traditions. The community consists of 250 members, many of whom are young children, the next generation of Kenyan Jews. The community is located 180 km away from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.

They plan to continue their Jewish learning programs for youth and adults within the community centre; with internet access for researching online Jewish educational resources and participating in the online lessons that are taught by volunteers. They also intend to further develop their community, build a synagogue, develop agriculture, gain access to clean water and better connect to other Jewish organizations and communities all over world.

An egalitarian congregation in the heart of the Eruv. One of a kind in Johannesburg and South Africa. Give us a call!

Tikvat Israel Congregation Kampala was officially registered as a Masorti community on September 2, 2022.  It was initiated by Marom members who discovered a need for community involvement in Kampala Uganda and propagate Judaism and promote Jewish religious practices by including everyone.

The Abayudaya (Abayudaya is a luganda word for people of Judah) community is comprised of over 2,000 members spread among eight villages in the area surrounding Mbale, in eastern Uganda, approximately five hours from the capital, Kampala. The eight villages of Abayudaya in Uganda, Nabugoye, Nasenyi, Namanyonyi, Namutumba I, Namutumba II, Nalubembe, Apaac and Buseta, are recognized by the Masorti/conservative movement around the world.
 
 The Abayudaya live their daily lives committed to traditional Judaism, observing ritual slaughter and kashrut, celebrating Shabbat and holidays, reading Torah on Mondays and Thursdays and engaging in text study on a regular basis. Although religious observance has not been easy in the face of political developments over the years in Uganda, a strong leadership has persevered and the results can be seen and felt today.
 
 Two schools, the Hadassah Primary School and the Semei Kakungulu High School (known as S.K.) were established by the community so that the youth can learn Hebrew and Judaism in addition to following the regular Uganda government curriculum. It also enables the children to celebrate Shabbat, as regular schools in Uganda are in session on Saturdays. The schools are open to all, with Christian and Muslim neighbors studying together with the Jewish youth. There are dorms for those who live in villages further away. 

 Rabbi Gershom Sizomu is the Chief Rabbi of the Abayudaya communities in Uganda and Kenya. Rabbi Gershom was ordained in 2008, after completing his five years of rabbinic studies at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

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