Sally Ryan

Essays: Black Judaism

Going against the notion of Chicago being a self-segregating city, Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation stands out in Marquette Park, a southwest side neighborhood home to working-class Hispanics and African Americans.

Rabbi Capers C. Funnye, Jr., right, says the Temple's presence is largely accepted in the neighborhood, though discrimination by some residents does happen. Many of the congregants do not live in Marquette Park, choosing to commute from other parts of the city and suburbs.
   
Rabbi Capers C. Funnye Jr., begins the service at Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation.
   
The conservative temple adheres to certain rules, such as the division of men and women in the sanctuary. Theirs is the only Jewish congregation in the neighborhood, whereas many of the Jewish temples are on the city's far north side and northern suburbs.
     
  
Cory Cummings, 10, studies scripture during Shabbat service.
   
  
     
  
Janise Poticha, center, is a Rabbi at Temple Sinai of Massapequa on Long Island, New York and her mother lives in Chicago. The Chicago temple hopes to reach out to other Jewish groups to help sustain their membership in a primarily Christian neighborhood.
   
Yierah Bat Israel, 35, of Tinley Park, Illinois, commutes to the southwest side of Chicago to attend Shabbat service at Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation.
  
Rabbi Joshua V. Salter serves as lead Gabbai at Beth Shalom Temple, and is associate Rabbi to Rabbi Capers Funnye, left.
     
  
Rabbi Funnye, left, grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, but felt disconnected to his faith. After exploring other religions, he felt liberated by Judaism's encouragement of self-examination.
   
Beth Shalom caters to those of the Hebrew-Israelite faith, which makes up a small fraction of the Jewish population in the country.
   
Rabbi Capers C. Funnye, Jr., left, and Rabbi Joshua V. Salter conduct Shabbat service
     
  
Three hours into the service, and a little boy begins to lose interest.
   
Tamar Manasseh, 29, right, revels in the music as the choir performs during Shabbat service at Beth Shalom.
   
Rabbi Capers C. Funnye, Jr., walks the aisles during Shabbat service, greeting each parishoner while the congregation and choir sing. Funnye likes to walk through the pews to make personal contact with each parishioner.
     
  
Bruce Carey, 55, of Gary, Indiana, is greeted by Laib Zemel, 3, near the start of Shabbat service at Beth Shalom.
   
Members wash their hands in preparation for refreshments during Oneg Shabbat.
   
Rabbi Capers C. Funnye Jr. prepares to serve the Challah during Oneg Shabbat services.
     
  
James Brazelton, left, and Michael Bridge serve as security during Shabbat service.