New alliance to strengthen Judaism in East Africa

For years, small Orthodox Jewish communities across East Africa have practised their faith largely in isolation. They have struggled to access Jewish education, kosher food, religious items, and recognition from the wider Jewish world. Now, leaders believe a meeting in Nairobi could mark the start of a new chapter. 

Representatives from Orthodox Jewish communities in Uganda met Rabbi Yosef Zimmerman, the rabbi of the Nairobi Hebrew Congregation, in Kenya earlier this month to discuss creating a coordinated East African Orthodox Jewish network. 

Hoshea Silver Walugembe Magezi, chairperson of the Uganda Jewish Wealth Creation Initiative, said the journey itself reflected the growing relationship between the communities. “It was a great experience being in a different city for the cause of Judaism, something that you believe in,” he said. “We kept Shabbat with a community that we’re becoming more comfortable calling our sister community.” 

The discussions began before Shabbat and continued throughout the weekend. Magezi said one of the most important topics was how isolated many Orthodox Jewish communities in East Africa have become. “We want to stop being in isolation because every community is working on its own. The leaders carry the burden of their communities alone, yet we all face similar challenges.” 

He said many communities know little about one. “Only on that Shabbat did I learn there was a Jewish community in Arusha. We need to exchange information, benchmark each other, and share knowledge because we face the same problems,” he said. 

One example discussed was kosher slaughter. Most Ugandan Orthodox communities currently perform kosher slaughter only for poultry. Magezi said Zimmerman recently visited Ethiopia with Dr Ari Greenspan, who trains communities in kosher slaughter, and hopes to bring similar training to Uganda. 

“We want to exchange knowledge within African Jewish communities,” Magezi said. “We want strict observance of kashrut, and we want to learn how to slaughter goats and sheep because those are much more common here.” 

Orah Lawrence, a rabbinical student in Uganda who attended the meeting, said Zimmerman had already committed to visiting Uganda later this year to provide that training. “He promised he would come and upgrade us from doing chickens to goats and sheep,” Lawrence said. 

Education emerged as another priority. Magezi said many Jewish schools in the region struggle to balance religious and secular studies. Limited funding makes the challenge even greater because many families live below the poverty line. 

Parents wanted children to receive both a Torah education and the academic qualifications needed to compete in the wider job market. 

Lawrence also emphasised the need for more educational resources. “I teach members of the community every morning after prayers until noon,” he said. “We need more Jewish resources so that we can strengthen Judaism in this region.” 

Access to religious items is another challenge. Many essential objects must be imported from Israel at considerable cost. Lawrence said Zimmerman brought several items from Israel during the visit, including tzitzit, tefillin, mezuzot, and a sharpening stone used to prepare kosher slaughter knives. “We were so glad to receive them,” Lawrence said. “Everything has to be imported. Even our matzah for Pesach comes from outside.” 

Beyond practical concerns, participants discussed one of the most sensitive issues facing several African Orthodox communities, namely recognition of conversions. Many members of these communities underwent Orthodox conversions overseen by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin of Efrat in Israel. 

However, those conversions are not universally recognised by Israel’s Chief Rabbinate, limiting the ability of converts to make aliya or receive recognition within some Orthodox institutions. Magezi said participants accepted that the issue remained complicated. “We discussed how our conversions are viewed,” he said. “There is hope because we understand there are different opinions within the Jewish world. We believe Hashem is the ultimate judge.” 

Lawrence described the issue as disappointing but not permanent. “If it’s politics, it’s not always the final thing. Politics changes. We hope that one day there will be greater recognition.” 

Rather than allowing those disagreements to divide communities, Lawrence said the meeting reinforced the importance of stronger regional ties. “We’re looking for East Africa to become a strong Jewish community,” he said. “We have all been isolated for too long. It’s better to coordinate and see how we can sustain Judaism for generations.” 

The proposed network could also help create common approaches to religious education, community development, and future conversions. Lawrence said leaders hoped a coordinated regional structure would eventually become recognised within the broader Jewish world. “We want to be recognised as a strong Jewish community here,” he said. “We want to be embedded in the greater Jewish world.” 

The discussions also explored possible support from the Commonwealth Jewish Council. 

Although no formal organisation was established during the Nairobi meeting, participants described it as the beginning of a long-term process. For Magezi, the greatest achievement was creating new relationships. 

“Once we consolidate and harmonise, and share knowledge about how to deal with our challenges, it will make all of us stronger,” he said. Lawrence believes the meeting showed that East Africa’s small Jewish communities no longer need to face challenges alone. “We’re looking forward to future consolidation and strengthening Judaism in this part of the world. We want our people to feel they are part of the wider Jewish family.”