Jewish Liturgical Forms in the Falasha Liturgy? A Comparative Study

Kay Kaufman Shelemay

1986

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This text uses uses the term Falasha, which is now deemed derogatory, to refer to Ethiopian Jews, who as of 1990 self-identify as "Beta Israel." The text provides insight into history; however, The Posen Library does not condone or promote oppressive language of any kind.

The Falashas of Ethiopia have attracted considerable attention because of their Judaic religious practice, yet the relationship of their liturgy to normative Judaism remains underdetermined. This article is a first step in the direction of comparative studies.1 In any society, a Jewish influence may be manifested in certain aspects of cultural life…

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Creator Bio

Kay Kaufman Shelemay

b. 1948

Brought up in Texas, Kay Kaufman Shelemay is an ethnomusicologist, specializing in Ethiopian music. She teaches at Harvard University and serves as director of graduate studies in its Ethnomusicology program. Shelemay has received the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award, the Prize of the International Musicological Society and, in 2010, the Jaap Kunst Prize for Ethnomusicology.

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