Black Non-Jewish American vs. Hebrew Israelite

Attribute	Black Non-Jewish American	Hebrew Israelite
Beliefs	Varied beliefs, not necessarily tied to a specific religion	Believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites and follow Hebrew Bible
Religious Practices	May practice Christianity, Islam, or other religions	Follow Hebrew Bible, observe Jewish laws and customs
Identity	Identify as Black Americans without ties to Judaism	Identify as descendants of Israelites, separate from mainstream Judaism
Community	Part of broader Black American community	Form tight-knit communities based on shared beliefs

Background

Black Non-Jewish 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 Americans typically adhere to various Christian denominations or may identify as agnostic or atheist. They may attend church services on Sundays, celebrate Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter, and participate in religious rituals such as baptism and communion.

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 often reject mainstream Christianity and instead follow a set of beliefs and practices based on their interpretation of the Bible, including adherence to dietary laws, observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, and the belief in the importance of keeping the laws of the Torah.

Practices

Black Non-Jewish Americans may engage in a variety of cultural practices that are not necessarily tied to their religious beliefs. This may include participating in traditional African American music, dance, and cuisine, as well as celebrating cultural events such as Juneteenth or Kwanzaa.

Hebrew Israelites, on the other hand, often have distinct practices that are closely tied to their religious beliefs. This may include wearing traditional Hebrew garments, observing dietary restrictions such as avoiding pork and shellfish, and participating in street preaching to spread their message to others.

Identity

Black Non-Jewish Americans may identify primarily as African American or Black, with their religious beliefs playing a secondary role in their overall identity. They may feel a sense of connection to their African roots and may participate in cultural events and activities that celebrate their heritage.

Hebrew Israelites, on the other hand, often place a strong emphasis on their identity as the true descendants of the ancient Israelites. They may see themselves as separate and distinct from other African Americans and may prioritize their religious beliefs and practices above all else in shaping their identity.

Community

Black Non-Jewish Americans may be part of diverse communities that include individuals from various religious backgrounds and beliefs. They may interact with people of different faiths and may participate in interfaith dialogue and activities.

Hebrew Israelites, on the other hand, often form tight-knit communities that are centered around their shared beliefs and practices. They may have their own congregations, schools, and social organizations that cater to their specific needs and interests.

Conclusion

While Black Non-Jewish Americans and Hebrew Israelites both belong to the African American community, they have distinct beliefs, practices, and identities that set them apart from each other. Understanding the differences between these two groups can help foster greater appreciation and respect for the diversity within the African American community.