Ethiopia- Kingdoms, Faiths and Legends

1. The Ancient Kingdom of Axum

The ancient kingdom of Axum was one of the four most powerful empires in the world at the beginning of the first millennium!

• What was the source of its power and influence?
• What languages did its inhabitants speak?
• What did they believe at?
• And what were their super achievements which still can be seen?

2. The Ethiopian Jewish Community - Beta Israel

We will hear about the Beta Israel community, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world and try to figure out:

• When did Jews arrive in Ethiopia? Under what circumstances?
• How did they keep their faith? Their feasts? Their commandments?

We will hear about the Aliyah campaign Moses operation ans King Solomon operation. and the Rabanic Halakhic Ruling regarding their Judaism.

3. The Christianization of the Kingdom

Ethiopian Christianity is considered one of the oldest in the world.

• How and when did Christianity arrive in Ethiopia?
• What makes it unique?
• What are they special holidays and customs?

We will tour the Ethiopian churches in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Ethiopian Patriarchate, where we will encounter with Christian ancient scriptures and climb up to a beautiful observation spot.

4. The Ark of the Covenant and Emperor Haile Selassie

Ethiopian Christianity claims that the Ark of the Covenant, the "Sign and Seal," is kept in the Church of "Mary of Zion"In Ethiopia.

We will visit at "Mountain of Eden" Monastery and the "Covenant of Mercy" Church on Ethiopia Street and ask:

• How and when did the Ark of the Covenant arrive in Ethiopia?
• What is the connection to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba?
• And why is Emperor Haile Selassie called the "The Lion of Judah."