Transnationalism and Hybridity in Religious Practices during the Migration Process: The Zera Beta Israel in Ethiopia and Israel

This article examines the complexity of religious practices and beliefs among a group Zera Beta Israel (Falash Mura) members before, during, decade after their immigration process to Israel. community, with roots in Judaism, converted Christianity 19th century, complicating request immigrate along (Ethiopian Jews who had not Christianity). Following an average 15-year wait Ethiopian transit camps, they spent about two years Israeli absorption centres underwent conversion rabbinic Judaism. study aims elucidate notions religious, cultural, oppositional transnationalism through life experiences described by community members. Drawing on transnational theory interpretative qualitative approach, it develops analyses 25 in-depth, semi-structured interviews conversations conducted Ethiopia The findings challenge conventional binary perceptions conceptual categories, such as Jewish–Christian or religious–secular demonstrate fluidity complexity—the hybridity—that exists contexts religion immigration.