New Pinto video: the Jews of Yemen

After his video on the Jews of Morocco, Israeli tour guide and advocate Oren Pinto homes in on the Jews of Yemen, who for centuries lived in isolation.(With thanks: Suzie)

Oren begins in Rehovot where Yemenite Jews today have an impressive cultural centre. They settled in two districts of the city, Sha’arayim and Marmorek.

Oren takes us through the troubled history of the Jewish minority of Yemen. It is an ancient community built on the incense trade until the destruction the temples in Jerusalem.  Yemenite Jews are very pious and have umpteen synagogues. They pride themselves on speaking, and spelling, perfect Hebrew.

Persecution drove them to seek advice from Maimonides but did not prevent them from developing a rich religious, cultural and artistic heritage. Today Yemenite influences can be felt in Israeli food, song and dance.