Black Hebrews vs. Rastafari

Attribute	Black Hebrews	Rastafari
Origin	Founded in the late 19th century by African Americans	Emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s
Beliefs	Believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites	Believe in the divinity of Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia
Scriptures	Follow the Hebrew Bible and additional texts	Use the Bible and the teachings of Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie
Practices	Observe dietary laws and keep the Sabbath	Use of marijuana in religious rituals, dreadlocks, and reggae music
Leadership	Have various leaders and sects	No central authority, decentralized leadership

Beliefs

Black Hebrews believe that they are descendants of the ancient Israelites and that they have a special covenant with God. They follow a strict interpretation of the Bible and adhere to dietary laws and rituals similar to those found in Judaism. Rastafari, on the other hand, believe in the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, whom they see as the messiah. They also believe in the importance of African heritage and culture, and often incorporate elements of African spirituality into their beliefs.

Practices

Black Hebrews often live in intentional communities where they practice a communal lifestyle and share resources. They also place a strong emphasis on education and self-sufficiency. Rastafari, on the other hand, are known for their use of marijuana as a sacrament and their belief in the importance of natural living. They often wear their hair in dreadlocks as a symbol of their faith and connection to Africa.

Music and Art

Both Black Hebrews and Rastafari have rich musical traditions that are integral to their faith. Black Hebrews often incorporate elements of traditional Jewish music into their worship services, while Rastafari are known for their reggae music, which often contains spiritual and political messages. Both groups also use art as a way to express their beliefs and celebrate their culture.

Relationship with the wider community

Black Hebrews often face discrimination and misunderstanding from the wider community due to their beliefs and practices. They have been involved in legal battles over issues such as citizenship and land ownership. Rastafari, on the other hand, have gained more mainstream acceptance in recent years, with reggae music and Rastafarian culture becoming popular around the world. However, they still face stereotypes and misconceptions about their beliefs.

Role of women

Black Hebrews have strict gender roles, with women often taking on traditional roles such as homemaking and childcare. However, women also play important leadership roles within the community and are valued for their contributions. Rastafari, on the other hand, have a more egalitarian approach to gender, with women and men having equal rights and responsibilities within the faith. Women are often seen as spiritual leaders and are respected for their wisdom and guidance.