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The encounter with Judaism and the representatives of various organizations affected a profound change in the character of the Bnei Menashe communities. In the late 20th century some of them made Aliyah to Israel, whereas others remained in their homeland. Both groups consider themselves Jews. Some of their traditions have changed over the years, yet the basic values have been preserved even as their tradition gradually evolved into an intricate system combining ancient tradition and modern Judaism. However, despite the similarities, there remain gaps between their local customs and the modern Jewish world. Has the Bnei Menashe community preserved an ancient Jewish tradition that was part of their life and identity? Were they influenced by Jews that came to live among them or had some sort of intercultural relation with them at some
time in the past? Or did they adopt these customs in the modern era, in their interaction with the Western world?
