The Bene Israel of India / The studies in this volume deal with the history and religious evolution, as well as some social and demographic aspects of the Bene Israel, a small community of Jews who have lived for many centuries on the west coast of India. This religious group has been completely isolated from their co-religionists elsewhere. The author attempts to analyse its reunification with world Jewery since the eighteenth century, and its strong Indian character in relation to its assimilation in Israel. The number of Bene Israel in India has dwindled over the last three decades. Long subject to discrimination and persecution elsewhere, they demonstrate how a minority community can live with honour and in complete harmony with fellow Indians. The author has made an in-depth study of the Bene Israel community. His knowledge and observations have often been drawn upon by scholars and historians for the study of both Indian society and Jewish social history.
