Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker shares his personal and ancestral journey as a modern-day Bene Israel man living in Israel. From synagogue melodies to family recipes, and his travels in India and around the world to document a history before it disappears - Eliaz reflects on what it means to honour multiple identities in a world that often demands we choose just one. His story spans continents and generations, challenging assumptions about Jewishness, ethnicity, and belonging.
Eliaz Reuben-Dandeker is a historian, writer, and artist based in Israel. His work explores heritage, identity, and cultural memory. He has authored several books and continues to document the stories of the Bene Israel community through writing, teaching, and public speaking. A special bonus clip and article is on our Substack.
Short definitions of terms and traditions mentioned in this episode:
Bene Israel: one of the largest and oldest Jewish groups originating from India. Bene Israel translates to ‘children of Israel’ in Hebrew.
Matza: Unleavened bread eaten during Passover
Melida: A Bene Israel ceremonial gathering often held to honour milestones or life events (Recipe here)
Eliyahu Hanavi / Hanabi: Elijah the Prophet, a central figure in Jewish tradition and to the Melida ceremony
Want to learn more? Listen to previous episodes where we discuss identity.
References & Resources
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