By Sheryl Rowling
LA JOLLA, California — A one hour documentary, The Village of Peace tells the fascinating story of African Hebrews living the good life in Israel. While black Jews are not uncommon, what sets this group apart is that they originated from late-sixties Chicago!
Rejecting the riots and anger expressed by African Americans, this Chicago group came to the realization that their roots were in the Holy Land, not Africa. This film interweaves the story of four founding members, who bravely embarked to Israel to start life anew.
The community bases its lifestyle, morals and culture on the Torah. Close-knit, content and educated, the group is vegetarian, growing its own organic food while cooking is done in solar ovens. Respectful of the environment and the purity of their bodies, members of this group are healthy and happy. Somewhat surprising is their practice of polygamy. As one of the elders explained, when there are so many more women than men, it just makes sense.
The Village of Peace is a riveting look into a self-designed community finding success and a home of their own in Israel.
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Rowling is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of personal finance and the arts. Your signed comments may be posted in the space provided below or sent to sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com