Telling the Story of the Bnei Menashe Through Food

(This is a special report by Degel Menashe's Community Development Coordinator, Jessica Thangjom. She was invited by FOODISH, an enterprise of the Anu Diaspora Museum which seeks to explore and integrate diverse Jewish communities through it's culinary traditions. It is an exciting project which speaks about communities though a universal language understood by all, food!) Photo credits: Hagit Goren.

(July 14, 2026) Last Wednesday was more than just a day of cooking; it was an opportunity to tell the story of the B'nei Menashe through the language of food.

I was honored to be invited by Li Gill and Sivan from the ANU Museum’s Foodish Project to participate in their latest initiative, which documents the rich culinary traditions of Jewish communities from around the world. They asked me to prepare three of our traditional dishes along with one of our favorite side dishes. Without hesitation, I chose foods that have been part of our family tables for generations: Mepoh (a Bnei Menashe cholent), Gotoi (Bamboo Shoot) & Bega’a (Pea) Stew, and Mai Kikang (Stir-Fried Pumpkin).

Chef Pooja delights with her a la carte arrangements. Photo: Hagit Goren

As I began cooking, I quickly realized that this would be far more challenging than I had imagined. Traditional B'nei Menashe cuisine is rarely prepared without smoked meat or chicken. The smoky aroma is deeply woven into our recipes and evokes memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday life. Yet for this project, every dish had to be prepared entirely vegetarian, as they will be served later this month at Café Bollywood in Tel Aviv.

At first, I wondered whether the dishes would still feel authentic without one of their defining ingredients. It became a delicate balance between preserving tradition and adapting it for a new audience. I wanted every bite to remain true to the flavors and memories that generations of B'nei Menashe families have cherished.

The Foodish team paid extraordinary attention to every detail. They wanted the photographs to reflect exactly what diners would receive when they ordered the dishes, nothing exaggerated, nothing artificial, only authenticity. Food photographer Hagit Goren from Florentine, Tel Aviv, patiently arranged every plate with remarkable care, highlighting the simple beauty of our traditional cuisine. Watching our humble dishes transformed into works of art through her lens was a memorable experience in itself.

This was not my first collaboration with ANU Museum. Last year, I had the privilege of speaking about B'nei Menashe gastronomy at a similar Foodish event. Returning this year reminded me once again that food carries stories that words alone often cannot tell.

https://www.degelmenashe.org/post/degel-menashe-participates-in-foodish-at-anu-diaspora-museum-tel-aviv 

Stir-fried pumpkin seasoned with basil. Photo: Hagit Goren

The Jewish people have lived across continents for thousands of years, and every community has brought home something from the lands where they settled. Our recipes reflect journeys of migration, resilience, and adaptation. The B'nei Menashe lived for centuries in Northeast India, and naturally our cuisine absorbed local ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors while remaining rooted in our own traditions and Jewish identity. Every dish tells the story of where we have been and who we are.

That is what makes the Foodish Project so meaningful. It is not simply about preserving recipes; it is about preserving memory, identity, and heritage. Through food, people who have never heard of the B'nei Menashe can discover our history, our traditions, and our culture in a warm and welcoming way.

For me, participating in this project was both an honor and a deeply personal experience. Standing in the kitchen, preparing recipes handed down through generations, I felt that I was representing not only my own family but an entire community. It reminded me that even the simplest meal can become a bridge between cultures and generations.

Beginning 27 July, anyone wishing to experience the flavors of the B'nei Menashe will be able to order these special dishes at Café Bollywood, located at Ma'on Street 5A, Florentine, Tel Aviv.

Chef Pooja and Jessica with their presentation. Photo:Hagit Goren

The restaurant is owned by Chef Pooja Moses, a proud member of the Bene Israel Jewish community, and her husband. Together they have created a warm and welcoming restaurant that celebrates authentic Mumbai-style vegetarian cuisine in one of Tel Aviv’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It is especially meaningful that this collaboration brings together two Jewish communities with roots in India, each preserving its own unique heritage while celebrating the diversity that enriches Jewish life.

It is my sincere hope that everyone who tastes these dishes will enjoy not only their flavors but also the story they carry; a story of faith, resilience, migration, and home. Every plate is an invitation to discover the rich cultural heritage of the B'nei Menashe, one meal at a time.

An excellent article featuring the B'nei Menashe on FOODISH on its website:

The Long Way Home: The Bnei Menashe Community - Foodish

Weeklong Summer Camp 2026 for B'nei Menashe Children held at Ma'oz Tzur

Participants of the Ma'oz Tzur Summer Camp 2026.

(This is a special report from our educator, Asaf Renthlei, from Shlom Tzion synagogue, Mizoram, who was on a visit to Lamka where he was hosted by residents of Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur's Summer Camp program. He participated in the camp teaching children and adults alike on basic Hebrew and Judaism amongst others. He extended his stay by another week, on popular demand, to teach participants. Degel Menashe conveys its sincere thanks to all teachers, volunteers and participant who made it a colossal success.)

(July 2, 2026) The second edition of the Hebrew Summer Camp under the aegis of Degel Menashe was conducted with great exhilaration in the southern district od Lamka. The camp, which was held in the lush bucolic environs of Kibbutz Maoz Tzur, the only entirely Jewish community in northeast India, extended from 21 June to 27 June 2026, and was attended by 75 campers from the Bnei Menashe community in Manipur. The campers were primarily from Kibbutz Maoz Tzur, as also from the nearby communities including Shivat Tzion in Lamka.

The thrust of this summer camp was intensive Hebrew classes that were intended to further amplify and complement the ongoing Hebrew educational program at the Rav Eliyahu Avichail Memorial School for a wider section of Bnei Menashe youth. The resource persons were Hebrew instructors from the ORT India educational program for the Bnei Menashe community: Mr. Shimon Thomsong and Mr. Asaf Renthlei, the latter of whom was delegated from the Mizoram chapter, traversing a 12 hour journey through constant monsoon rains along tortuous hill roads, interrupted by several checkpoint stops in Manipur by the local police and militia.

Teachers, guides and volunteers for the camp.

However, the campers from the other parts of Lamka did not have an easy journey despite being local to the district. First of all, they had to trek off road for over an hour, trudging through muddy paths and making their way past two villages before finally arriving at a rocky stream marking the outer bounds of the kibbutz. After carefully traversing the stream with their rucksacks on their backs, they had to proceed with a challenging uphill climb for about half an hour before they finally entered the camp site where they were assigned to their quarters and debriefed by the camp staff. Their eagerness to make friends with other campers, study together, and partake of the various events lined up for them throughout the week was palpable on their faces even after having made quite the adventurous trek on their way to the kibbutz.

The campers, evenly split between male and females, ranged in age from 4 to 23 year olds, and were classified into four sections based on their Hebrew proficiency. They learnt conversational phrases, practiced calligraphy, studied grammar, sang Hebrew songs, and conducted short dialogues in Hebrew with their fellow campers.

Activities and learning at full steam.

Apart from the language instruction, the campers were actively guided towards etiquette befitting an enlightened citizen: keeping their dormitories neat and tidy, ensuring the proper disposal of waste and food scraps, observing adequate personal hygiene, fulfilling responsibilities according to a roster, and decorum with fellow campers and camp staff. These values were reinforced at the end of the summer camp at the prize distribution ceremony that recognized outstanding conduct on these points. Similarly, apart from the acquisition of first position in the sporting events conducted throughout the summer camp, teamwork and sportsmanship were also awarded as separate achievements.

Ms. Jessica Thangjom, the Israel-based administrator of Kibbutz Maoz Tzur, enhanced the summer camp with captivating video conference sessions for the campers. These sessions encouraged the campers to give serious thought to their personal development, not just as a thing to be deferred for life after aliyah to Israel, but also as a task to be constantly worked upon even while industriously waiting for their turn on the aliyah roster. The campers, most of whom have barely any inkling of life outside their home state Manipur, were amazed to hear of the histories and trajectories of the various Jewish communities still present in India with whom Ms. Jessica is closely involved. She also discussed the origins and the history of the Bnei Menashe with the campers, urging

Meals being served and shared.

them to have a sense of pride in their uniqueness in a vibrant and colorful Jewish tapestry, and in their identity as the real and an ongoing part of Biblical prophecy of the return of the tribes of Israel to the Holyland. Despite frequent electric shortages, the campers listened mesmerized to these online sessions.

Apart from pivotal funding for the summer camp by Degel Menashe, the kibbutz residents chipped in their full efforts in making the summer camp a resounding success. The cooking responsibilities were enthusiastically shared amongst kibbutz families on a roster, and a few families even generously donated their farm produce for the campers. At the close of the summer camp, the deep appreciation the campers had for the program was reflected in their frequent remarks that the camp did not run long enough. The campers were particularly grateful that the language classes provided them with valuable skills for their aliyah preparation and hoped that many more such programs of intensive Hebrew classes would be conducted soon and more frequently.

A Meaningful Visit to Kiryat Yam: Witnessing the Inspiring Journey of the New B'nei Menashe Olim in Israel

B'nei Menashe olim at Kiryat Yam Absorption Center.

(June 4, 2026) A recent visit to the absorption center in Kiryat Yam provided a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the newly arrived B'nei Menashe olim as they begin their new lives in Israel. It was a moving and uplifting experience to witness firsthand how these families are adapting to their new home, embracing new opportunities, and building a hopeful future for themselves and their children.

The journey of the B'nei Menashe from India to Israel is one of faith, perseverance, and an enduring connection to the Jewish people. For many families, this homecoming represents the fulfillment of a dream carried across generations. Today, these new immigrants are settling into two absorption centers:-one in Nof HaGalil and another in Kiryat Yam near Haifa. Although only a month has passed since their arrival, their progress and determination are already evident.

Children on their first day of school in Israel.

One of the most encouraging sights is seeing the children flourish in their new environment. They have begun attending schools and kindergartens, making friends, learning Hebrew, and adapting with remarkable enthusiasm. Their ability to introduce themselves confidently in Hebrew after such a short time reflects both their resilience and eagerness to embrace their new lives. Their smiles, curiosity, and excitement about learning serve as a powerful reminder that the future of the community is bright.

For the adults, every day is filled with learning and personal growth. Alongside intensive Hebrew studies, many are participating in Torah and Halacha classes as part of their conversion preparation. These lessons are not merely educational but deeply meaningful spiritual steps that strengthen their connection to Judaism and their place within the Jewish people.

Beyond their studies, the families are also discovering the beauty and history of Israel. Educational tours, visits to important historical sites, and participation in national events such as Jerusalem Day celebrations are

A heritage tour for olim.

helping them connect with the land and its people. For many, walking through the streets of Jerusalem and visiting places they had only dreamed about for years has been a profoundly emotional experience. It reinforces the feeling that their Aliyah is not simply a relocation but a true homecoming.

The support provided by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has been instrumental in helping these families settle into their new lives. Their dedication, guidance, and care have ensured that the olim receive the assistance they need during this important transition. The community remains deeply grateful for the warmth and encouragement extended to every family.

Voices from the Olim

One of the most touching moments during the visit was hearing directly from the olim themselves as they shared their experiences and hopes for the future.

Elisheva Phiamphu enjoys sea view at her residence at Kiryat Yam.

Mrs. Elisheva Phiamphu, one of the elderly residents of the absorption center, spoke with heartfelt gratitude when asked how she was coping with life in Israel.

“It is truly a dream come true,” she said with a smile. “Everything is well taken care of, and I am deeply grateful to Hashem and to all the authorities who are working hard for us. I enjoy attending the Hebrew classes as well as the shiurim. The teachers are lively, caring, and dedicated. Every day I learn something new, and I feel blessed to be here.”

Her words reflected not only appreciation but also the joy of finally reaching a destination she had long hoped for.

Another inspiring story came from Menashe Kipgen, who shared the emotions surrounding his family’s long-awaited arrival in Israel.

“My family and I have been waiting for this moment for more than twenty-five years,” he explained. “Ever since I was a child, we dreamed about coming to Israel. Seeing that dream finally become reality is difficult to describe.”

Speaking about his children, he expressed pleasant surprise at how quickly they have adjusted.

“Our children love their kindergarten and schools. They are learning Hebrew so quickly that sometimes even I am amazed. Their smooth adjustment gives us great confidence and peace of mind.”

For Menashe and his wife, balancing classes with family responsibilities remains their primary focus.

“Our priority is to attend our classes, learn as much as possible, and take care of our children. I enjoy every

Menashe's daughter Esther at her kindergarten.

lesson and try to make the most of each day. Looking ahead, I hope to study social work and one day become a social worker serving the B'nei Menashe community. I want to help others just as many people are helping us today.”

His aspirations reflect the spirit of giving back and contributing to Israeli society while supporting his own community.

The third testimony came from Rivka Dimngel, a former teacher with Degel Menashe in India. Her positive outlook and determination were equally inspiring.

“I am very happy here,” she shared. “All of my family members, including my mother and father, take their studies seriously and are committed to making the most of this opportunity.”

Rivka also spoke about her ambitions for the future.

“After we complete our time in the absorption center, I hope to continue my education and pursue further studies. There are many opportunities ahead, and I want to prepare myself well.”

Rivka Dimngel at home.

While acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new pace of life, she spoke with optimism and humor.

“Running after time can be challenging,” she laughed. “But that is the Israeli lifestyle, and little by little I am getting used to it. Every day becomes easier, and every day I learn something new.”

A Story of Hope and Homecoming

The stories of Elisheva, Menashe, Rivka, and countless others represent the broader journey of the B'nei Menashe community; a journey marked by unwavering faith, resilience, and hope. Their determination to learn, grow, and integrate into Israeli society is inspiring to witness.

The homecoming of the B'nei Menashe in this generation stands as one of the remarkable stories of our time. It is a story where ancient longing meets modern fulfillment; where faith crosses borders; and where a people continue to reconnect with their heritage, identity, and spiritual homeland.

As these families continue to build their lives in Israel, we wish them continued success, strength, happiness, and an easy transition. May they find fulfillment in their new home, and may their children grow to become proud contributors to the future of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

A welcome for olim at the absorption center at Kiryat Yam.