What are the beliefs of Black Hebrew Israelites?

Origins and Historical Background

The movement commonly identified as the “Black Hebrew Israelites” first gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emerging among African Americans seeking a religious identity that resonated with their historical and cultural experiences. Early congregations, such as those founded by figures like William Saunders Crowdy and Bishop William Christian, drew on a conviction that African Americans were descendants of the ancient Israelites described in Scripture. Several groups trace their lineage back to these founding leaders, though the movement itself is far from monolithic.

Different communities use varying names, such as “Hebrew Israelites,” “African Hebrew Israelites,” or “Black Hebrews.” Some follow near-traditional Jewish practices; others incorporate Christian concepts or additional doctrines. Because of these internal distinctions, it is necessary to understand that “Black Hebrew Israelites” refers to multiple organizations operating under a broad theological umbrella rather than one unified entity.

Core Identity Beliefs

Most adherents believe that African Americans (and, in some versions, also certain Latin American and Native American peoples) are the blood descendants of the ancient Israelites, typically basing this upon a particular reading of Deuteronomy 28 and related passages that describe blessings and curses for Israel. They interpret historical events, such as the transatlantic slave trade, as fulfillments of biblical prophecies pointing to a dispersed and oppressed Israelite people.

Many groups emphasize the need to keep various Old Testament laws, including dietary regulations (Leviticus 11) and observance of the Sabbath (Exodus 20). The degree of emphasis varies, with some adopting a stricter Torah-centric lifestyle than others.

Scriptural Interpretations and Key Passages

1. Deuteronomy 28

Verses such as Deuteronomy 28:68 are frequently referenced: “The LORD will return you to Egypt in ships…”. Black Hebrew Israelites commonly interpret “Egypt” as symbolic of bondage, concluding that this prophecy relates to the transatlantic slave trade.

2. Revelation 2:9 and 3:9

These passages, which mention “those who say they are Jews and are not” (2:9), are sometimes cited to reinforce the idea that mainstream Jewish communities are not the sole representatives of Israel. The interpretation, however, varies among different factions.

3. Isaiah 11:11–12

This text speaks of God regathering the remnant of His people from various regions. Some groups see the African diaspora and other migrations as the modern realization of biblical regathering prophecies.

Messianic and Christological Views

Some Black Hebrew Israelite groups identify Jesus (often referred to by Hebrew names such as “Yahawashi” or “Yahshua”) as the Messiah who will fully restore Israel. Others focus more on the role of Israel as a chosen people and may stress obedience to the law rather than Christ’s atonement. Consequently, the stance on salvation through Christ alone can differ, with certain groups espousing beliefs closer to Christian orthodoxy and others relying more on legal adherence and heritage.

Use of Extrabiblical Texts

While the sixty-six books of the Bible are typically central, some groups include the Apocrypha in their canon, drawing on these ancient Jewish writings for instruction. References to 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra), particularly 2 Esdras 13:40–45, are sometimes used to propose that Israel traveled to the Western Hemisphere in antiquity, though this interpretation is not widely accepted among mainstream scholars.

Practices and Community Life

1. Sabbath Observance

Many Black Hebrew Israelite assemblies meet on Saturday to honor the seventh-day Sabbath, drawing from Exodus 20:8–11. Traditional Jewish calendar events, such as Passover and the Day of Atonement, are also commemorated in many congregations.

2. Cultural and Dietary Laws

Congregants may adopt Old Testament dietary guidelines (Leviticus 11), abstaining from foods regarded as “unclean,” such as pork or shellfish. Festivals are often celebrated in a manner that combines biblical instruction with African American cultural elements.

3. Distinct Clothing and Sacred Names

A visible expression of identity includes wearing fringes or tassels (Numbers 15:37–41), often accompanied by Hebrew-language names for God (e.g., “Yah” or “YHWH”) and for the Messiah. The specificity of these customs can vary from group to group.

Diversity of Sects

1. Moderate Groups

Certain communities, such as those in Israel (e.g., the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem), tend to focus on communal living, healthy lifestyle practices, and spiritual principles that aim to unify followers without aggressive proselytizing.

2. One West Influence

Another major branch, often referred to as stemming from the “One West” movement, is known for street preaching and confrontational evangelism, readily disputing mainstream Christian and Jewish identities. Their messages can be polemic, addressing eschatological (end-time) judgments.

3. Other Congregations

Many smaller congregations blend Christian teachings—accepting both Old and New Testament Scriptures—with Israelite identity. Some are pacifist and focus on personal sanctification, while others prioritize public teaching to reclaim “lost” Israelite lineage.

Controversies and Critiques

Critics often question the historical accuracy of linking the transatlantic slave trade directly with biblical prophecies describing Israel’s dispersion. Genetic and historical research largely traces African Americans to diverse West and Central African populations with limited genetic ties to the Levant or ancient Israel according to most contemporary studies.

Additionally, mainstream Jewish communities and historians contest the movements’ claims to Israelite heritage, pointing out the lack of widespread evidence for a mass exodus of ancient Israelites to West Africa.

Archaeological and Historical Considerations

While proponents sometimes cite archaeological finds or anecdotal discoveries pointing to Hebrew involvement in early African civilizations, the general academic consensus holds that modern Jews largely descend from ancient Jewish populations around the Near East. There is, however, acknowledgment of small Jewish communities historically present in Africa (e.g., the Beta Israel of Ethiopia), but these recognized communities remain distinct from the broader Black Hebrew Israelite movement.

Biblical Responses and Broader Christian Perspective

1. Salvation for “All Nations”

Key scriptural passages affirm God’s care for every ethnicity: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). While the Old Testament highlights Israel as a chosen people, many interpret the New Testament as expanding that covenantal blessing to all who believe (Romans 3:29–30).

2. Genealogy vs. Faith

The New Testament frequently emphasizes faith and spiritual adoption over physical heritage. For instance, Romans 2:28–29 suggests that “a man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly… rather, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly.” This perspective places the focus on internal alignment with God’s covenant through Christ Jesus, rather than on ancestry.

3. Unity in Christ

Outside Christian and Jewish observers often encourage respectful dialogue. While Christians may recognize cultural expressions that point to an affinity with the biblical narrative, they tend to uphold that ultimate reconciliation with God arises through faith in the risen Christ (John 14:6) rather than through ethnic heritage or strict law-keeping.

Summary

Black Hebrew Israelites encompass a range of congregations unified by the belief that African Americans—along with certain other peoples of color—are the literal descendants of biblical Israel. They typically place great importance on Old Testament laws, cultural traditions, and unique interpretations of Scripture that identify modern events as fulfillments of ancient prophecies.

Their internal diversity results in varying views on Jesus as Messiah, approaches to the New Testament, and opinions about who is included in the promises to Israel. While they have gained increasing attention due to public demonstrations and online resources, they remain distinct from both mainstream Judaism and historic Christianity at several doctrinal points. Researchers, believers, and outside observers frequently engage in dialogue to understand the theological and cultural dynamics at work, aiming to address questions of heritage, identity, and biblical interpretation with clarity and respect.