Lost Tribes of Israel

Imagine finding--and proving--that descendents of one of the 10 "lost tribes" of Israel still exist today! In this fascinating and superbly produced NOVA episode, anthropologist Tudor Parfitt discovers some 4,000 miles from Israel, in southern Africa, a tribe of self-styled "Black Jews" who claim to trace their heritage back to the post-first temple diaspora. Following strict dietary laws and practicing ritual slaughter of animals, bearing clan names of obvious Semitic origin, and preserving ancient religious and oral history Jewish traditions, the Lemba tribe's cultural heritage is pointedly Middle Eastern, rather than African, in origin. This video chronicles--and telescopes--Parfitt's extensive efforts to establish proof of the Lemba tribe's claims, tracing the meticulous DNA studies, and ingenious linguistic and geographic research that, taken together, form compelling evidence of this tribe's genetic, cultural, and historical links to ancient Israel. Beautifully photographed, well-written, and ever-respectful of all the cultures involved, the video captures the essence of Parfitt's ground-breaking research and makes it accessible to everyone. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Rechel)