A: Yes. Once the Sefwis got in contact with Jews from the outside world, they received educational materials and resources to advance their Judaism. The United Israel World Union was the first organization to have contact with the Sefwis. The community also hosted many volunteers who would teach Jewish practices to the community.
Most recently, Alex, one of their leaders, studied Judaism for four years at a yeshiva in Uganda under Rabbi Gershom Sizoumu. Later, they connected with other Jewish organizations that provided resources and educational materials. This was a real turning point, as shown the film. These outside contacts affirmed that they were no longer alone -- that they belonged to something bigger than themselves.
Q: Didn't Kulanu, the Jewish organization that supports remote Jewish communities, come to their aid?
A: Yes, Kulanu got involved with the Sefwis in the mid-90s. Kulanu facilitated a greater flow of communication, information, donations, people and resources between the Sefwis and the rest of the world.
Q: Your film focuses a lot on Alex -- an extraordinary person who is fiercely dedicated to Judaism, who has a heartfelt dream of becoming a Rabbi. How do you explain his passion?
A: I'm glad you took note of Alex's passion. Alex is motivated by what I would imagine are the same factors that motivate many religious leaders: a sense of one's spiritual destiny, a loyalty to ancestors, a deep desire to lead a community to a better life spiritually and practicality, and a need to understand the meaning of life. Alex is also Ghanaian, and Ghana is a devoutly religious place. So the passionate pursuit of any religion is more the norm there than it is in Canada.
Q: Is this community growing.? Has it influenced others?
A: It is growing in numbers, but not necessarily in practice. As we mention in the film, the community is attracting a lot of bright young people, mostly men, who are increasingly questioning Christianity as "the right" faith, and are seeking other answers. Furthermore, my conversations with some of these new members revealed a certain cynicism towards Christianity and Islam -- the dominant religions in Ghana -- as products of colonialism. I thought that was just fascinating. As for practice, I think the community is at an unfortunate standstill. I think the Sefwis would agree with me in saying that the one thing they really desire is substantive and sustainable Jewish education.
Q: Is Judaism taking root elsewhere in Ghana
A: There is another Jewish community that has popped up in Accra, Ghana, which is rather large. And while I am unsure of whether the Sefwis influenced them, they are in contact with one another.
Q: What about antisemitism? Are they discriminated against?
A: The Sefwis faced persecution when they first declared themselves as the House of Israel, and rejected the tenets of Christianity and Islam. They were ostracized, [and] some were even thrown in jail and subject[ed] to violence. However, within the context of the wider Jewish story, their experience of antisemitism is fortunately very minimal. Today, the discrimination they face is very[small] -- perhaps some ignorant name calling here and there. Otherwise, they are respected and live peacefully in and amongst their neighbors of other religions.
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