Madagascar

In summer 2016, Kulanu facilitated over 100 conversions and a number of weddings in Antananarivo, after the Malagasy community had been developing their Jewish practice for many years. Following an intense two-year study period, which Kulanu oversaw, the beit din was headed by Rabbi Achiya Delouya, a Morocco-born Orthodox rabbi living in Montreal. A local river nearby served as the mikveh.

The community leaders are chazan Touv’yah, Ashrey Dayves, and Petoela. There is no dedicated synagogue building, so the community meets in Touv’yah’s home, led by Touv’yah and Ashrey, and in another location led by Petoela. Petoela also teaches regular classes on Sundays.

Useful Resources:

Photos, Videos, and Music

• ONLINE SPEAKER SERIES: Madagascar

Articles

• • Jewish Core in Island Lore by Ari Greenspan and Ari Z. Zivotofsky (2017)
  • In Madagascar, ‘world’s newest Jewish community’ seeks to establish itself by Josefin Dolsten (2016)
  • Mikveh Moments in Madagascar: Immersion and Conversion on the Other Side of the World by Bonita Sussman (2016)
  • In remote Madagascar, a new community chooses to be Jewish by Deborah Josefson (2016) syndicated by JTA (reprinted in Jewish publications around the world)
  • ‘Joining Fabric of World Jewish Community,’ 100 Convert on African Island of Madagascar by Sam Kestenbaum (2016)
  • The Malagasy Secret by William F.S. Miles (2015)
  • Gan Eden Rediscovered by Peter Terry, AKA Yakov Zamir (2014)
  • Madagascar Groups Seek Closer Jewish Ties by Cynthia Weisfield (2007)

 

Multimedia

• Faces of Africa: the Jews of Madagascar, directed by Patricia Bush (2017)
• Journey to Judaism by Joshua Kristal and Scheur Menaker (2016)
• Kulanu’s Madagascar Playlist on Youtube