Black Non-Jewish African American vs. Hebrew Israelite

Attribute	Black Non-Jewish African American	Hebrew Israelite
Beliefs	Christianity, Islam, or other religions	Belief in being descendants of the ancient Israelites
History	Rooted in the history of African Americans in the United States	Claims descent from the biblical Israelites
Practices	Varies depending on individual beliefs	Observance of Jewish laws and customs
Community	Part of the broader African American community	Distinct community with shared beliefs and practices

Background

Black Non-Jewish African Americans and Hebrew Israelites are two distinct groups within the African American community. While both groups share a common heritage and history of oppression, they have different beliefs, practices, and cultural identities.

Beliefs

Black Non-Jewish African Americans typically adhere to Christian beliefs, with many belonging to Protestant denominations such as Baptist or Methodist. They believe in the teachings of the Bible and the divinity of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, Hebrew Israelites believe that African Americans are the true descendants of the ancient Israelites and that they are God's chosen people. They reject traditional Christian beliefs and instead follow a set of laws and customs based on their interpretation of the Bible.

Practices

Black Non-Jewish African Americans participate in traditional Christian practices such as attending church services, prayer, and reading the Bible. They may also observe holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Hebrew Israelites, on the other hand, follow a strict set of dietary laws, dress codes, and Sabbath observances. They often gather for worship in street corners or public spaces, where they engage in lively debates and discussions about their beliefs.

Cultural Identity

Black Non-Jewish African Americans have a diverse cultural identity that is influenced by their African roots, as well as the history of slavery and segregation in the United States. They have contributed significantly to American music, art, literature, and politics. Hebrew Israelites, on the other hand, have a more insular cultural identity that is centered around their beliefs and practices. They often see themselves as separate from mainstream society and may have limited interactions with non-members.

Community

Black Non-Jewish African Americans are part of a larger African American community that is diverse and multifaceted. They may have connections to other African American churches, organizations, and social groups. Hebrew Israelites, on the other hand, have a tight-knit community that is based on shared beliefs and practices. They may live in close proximity to one another and support each other in times of need.

Challenges

Both Black Non-Jewish African Americans and Hebrew Israelites face challenges related to discrimination, prejudice, and social inequality. Black Non-Jewish African Americans may experience racism and systemic barriers in education, employment, and housing. Hebrew Israelites may face backlash and criticism for their beliefs and practices, which are often misunderstood or misrepresented by the media and society at large.

Conclusion

While Black Non-Jewish African Americans and Hebrew Israelites have different beliefs, practices, and cultural identities, they both share a common history of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. By understanding and respecting the unique attributes of each group, we can work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society for all members of the African American community.