Jamaica – Jerusalem

"Get up in the morning, slaving for bread, sir,
So that every mouth can be fed.
Poor me, the Israelite."

Why in the world would a Jamaican ska/reggae musician refer to the "Israelites" in his song? Because Demand Dekker was a Jamaican ska/reggae artist who was influenced by the popular Rastafarian spiritual movement spread out in his homeland which has a deep-rooted connection with Judaism. The roots of Rasta/Jewish mix begin all the way back to that steamy affair between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba with a strange blend of Jewish flavor creeping into the spiritual history of Ethiopia, turning up subtly in 20^th century Rastafarian lifestyle, and then inevitably in reggae music.

Yes. There are historical, iconographical and spiritual parallels that provide credence to the weird cocktail between Judaism and Rastafari. From a historical perspective it is told that Menelik, Solomon’s only son with Queen Sheba, stole the Ark of the Covenant from the temple in Jerusalem and carried it to Ethiopia where some suggest it still remains. Over 2000 years later, Rastafarians appear in Jamaica as adherents of Hailie Salsie who see him as the 2^nd coming of Christ. To make a long story short, Rastas begin to refer to Jewish historical concepts in their liturgy, songs and prayer. Reference to Zion and Promise Land, Exodus are everywhere in the Rasta world.

The term most commonly noted with Rasta is "Zion". For Jews Zion most often refers to Jerusalem and, by extension, the Biblical land of Israel. The word is found in texts dating back almost three millennia. It commonly referred to a specific mountain near Jerusalem (Mount Zion), on which stood the Jebusite fortress of the same name that was conquered by David and was later named the City of David.

For Rastafarians, Zion is to be found in Africa, and more specifically in Ethiopia, where the term is also in use. Some Rasta believe themselves to represent the real Children of Israel in modern times, and their goal is to repatriate to Africa, or to Zion. Rasta reggae is full of references to Zion; among the best-known examples are the Bob Marley songs '"Zion Train," "Iron Lion Zion", the Bunny Wailer song "Rastaman" ("The Rasta come from Zion, Rastaman a Lion!"), The Abyssinians' "Forward Unto Zion" and Kiddus I's "Graduation In Zion," and much more.

Rastafarians see themselves as the Jewish slaves of the modern era, longing for the promised land. Just like Jews who yarned for their homeland, so do Rasa's want to be set free to return to Africa. Again this theme appears in Rasta culture and mainly in Reggae songs such as Bob Marley, "Exdous" or "Promise Land" by Aswad.

Jewish symbols and icons can also be seen throughout the Rasa world. The Star of David is the etymological symbol of the Jewish people pops-up all over the Rasta world. The lion of Judah, Rastas most prominent symbol depicting the great Haili Salsie, appears everywhere in liturgy, culture, in icons and symbols.

Jewish dietary laws parallel those of Rastas. Like Jews who adhere to Kashrut, Rastafarians follow their own dietary regulations. Their version of Kashrut, know as I-Tal rejects pork and shellfish as does Kashrut. The common denominator to I-Tal and Kashrut is theold testament.

Rastafarianism is considered a religion, but it can be also regarded as a lifestyle. This is very similar to Judaism in its bureaucratic ordinates and lifestyle guidelines. Jamaican Rasta has adopted many old testaments rules and dubbed them into their own faith. Commandments such as Leviticus 21:5 that clearly outline the regulations regarding hair are the logic to dreadlocks and unshaven beards. Rasta woman are required to dress modesty includes wearing long sleeve and long skirts and non-revealing attire.

In Israel the strange historical connection to Rastafarians exists with the Ethiopiaan Coptic Curch. Hiding in a subtle corner of the Church of the holy selpechure, in a back alley entranch is the Ethiopian Coptic Church. Ethiopian Copts are a strange patchwork in the grand Christian complex. On aged pealing walls, one can find the great King Solomon – Sheba affair frescoed subtly and the roots of Rastafarian – Jewish connection.

In day-to-day Israel, Rasta and Reggae can be found on posters, buttons and clothing of Israeli youth. Freaky teenagers emulate their Jamaican brethren with their dreadlock look. But more so, we find Rasta vibes in excellent Israeli reggae music; local bands such as Hatikva 6, Dag Nahash churn excellent Jamaican rhythm with a spice of the middle east.

While Rastafarians have chosen Judaism, it appears that Israelis have also chosen Rastas too.

author: Yossi Geller