A Wedding at Ma'oz Tzur, another first

(April 2, 2025) Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur has seen a lot of firsts since its founding almost a year and half ago. The first Hannuka was celebrated late 2023, resulting in the name being given to it. It was followed by Purim, Pesach, Rosh HaShana and Succot not withstanding the others like fastings. Now, we have the very first wedding of a young B'nei Menashe couple, Yosef and Leah that took place on Sunday, 30th March 2025. What makes this even more special is that they are both from Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur! Our newsletter has reliably learnt that they were about a 150 plus guests in attendance. There were representatives from all the B'nei Menashe communities around Lamka who attended the wedding and the feast that followed. The only exception were those who could not attend, like Kangpokpi and Moreh, due to travel restrictions following the civil war that arose since 3rd May 2023. Shem Haokip of Ma'oz Tzur, who is also the chairman of the synagogue with Yitzhak Singson, BMC Executive member of Sijang made the arrangements for the wedding and Avichail Manchong, Religious Secretary of BMC India, conducted the wedding. The 'Sheva Brachot' was recited, in turns, by members of the families from the bride and groom. Following the ceremony, the happy couple were showered with gifts by the guests and merry making added to it when they all began to break into a dance. It concluded with a meal prepared by the Ma'oz Tzur team and enjoyed by all! May we merit to have more simchas like this! Mazal Tov to the newly wedded couple!

A video link of the wedding: https://youtu.be/OwxpVw1YGdc?si=Xur7ZFEpOpZV5L3J

Spring Brings Planting Season at Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur

A woman meticulously plants a sapling while men prepare soil in the background.

(March 31, 2025) The residents of Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur are preparing for two things: Passover and seed-sowing. In keeping with the agricultural cycle, seed-sowing will begin once the pre-monsoon April showers arrive. As harmless as the term might sound, locals know that this weather phenomenon bring in severe storms, cyclonic winds that has its outset in the heart of the Bay of Bengal. It hits the hardest in the nearby Bangladesh and extends into northeast India, where Ma'oz Tzur sits on the fringes of the fury of its reach, blowing off tin-roof and shattering bamboo huts. Despite the destruction it wreaks, it brings in a promise of rejuvenation, in the form of water and soil. Similarly, as always, spring brings with it Pesach, the Festival of Freedom. Meticulous plans have to be made to make sure the festival, plantings and the storms to fit in with perfect harmony!

Seeds procured for sowing.

Our newsletter was told by Yitzhak Thangjom of Degel Menashe as he took us through the plans to develop the community and turn it into a cooperative where the residents can find a livelihood after their displacement and disruption following the carnage carried out by Meitei supremacists. It is anything but impossible for them to ever return to their lives in the valley. "Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur is situated on a 200-acre lot about a 15 minute drive south of Lamka township made available by the BMC chairman, Lalam Hangshing. In keeping with his vision, much of it will remain a forested preserve which will remain untouched, flora, fauna and wildlife. There are plans to zone it and areas designated for development, while keeping conservation and promotion of mutuality with nature, a top priority." He continues, "There are not enough seeds and saplings as we would have liked to buy, which is quite frustrating. We looked for at least a thousand banana saplings but found only 300. In the face of this, we are planning to explore other avenues like fishery, poultry, duck-farming and even livestock. The idea is to produce enough food for all."

Banana saplings being readied for planting.

Degel Menashe has made the arrangements for the purchase and procurement of the seeds and saplings required and the fields prepared for planting. 300 banana saplings have been planted last week with all the community taking part in it, excepting for the children who were attending school and their teachers. They had to be planted before the pre-monsoon showers, as explained by Ariella Haokip, a Ma'oz Tzur resident, "Bananas need to be planted before the rain comes. Since they are saplings, not seeds, they are already ready to receive the water." Another resident Isca adds, "Bananas take about 9 to 11 months to mature, We should be able to harvest them by the end of the year. By then, rain would have stopped and the bananas will have ripen wonderfully in the winter sun." In addition to that colacasia (taro), ginger, khangkhu (a beloved local garnish) and similar ones are being prepared for the coming rain.

A short breather in the shade.

Building a community and toiling for a better future.

Operation Exodus's Passover Gift for Ma'oz Tzur

Kibbutz Ma'oz Tzur's women-folks with their gifts from Operation Exodus.

(March 21, 2025) On behalf of the B’nei Menashe community at Kibbutz Maoz Tzur, we extend our deepest gratitude to Operation Exodus once again, for your invaluable relief support. Your generosity and commitment have provided much-needed assistance and hope during challenging times. Your efforts truly make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness and dedication. A request has been put up for the Beit Shalom, Lamka community, as well.

Thank you for standing with us and for your unwavering support!

List of gift received:

1. Rice: 1.25 tons.

2. Lentils (Dal): 60 kgs.

3. Potatoes: 60 kgs.

4. Onion: 30 kgs.

5. Eggs: 25 boxes of 30 each.

6. Cooking Oil: 50 liters.

   
   
   
   

   Below are some photos of the distribution of the gifts:

   

   A mother with her daughter examining items to be distributed.

   

   A child with a big appreciative smile.

   

   Children pose with the Passover gifts.

   

   A Ma'oz Tzur woman displays the gifts she received for her family.

   

   Mother and child happily poses for a photo.

   

   Time to go home with a loaded basket.

   

   Post-distribution, Ma'oz Tzur residents, all smiles.