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| Autor principal: | |
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| Formato: | Recurso digital |
| Lenguaje: | inglés |
| Publicado: |
Zenodo
2025
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19640594 |
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- <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><span>This study offers a comprehensive exploration of the seven-day retreat, a central ritual practiced by the Beta Israel (historically known as Felasha) and contextualized within the Semien Shewa region of Ethiopia. The research investigates the practice's deep historical, spiritual, and cultural roots, arguing that it functions as a sophisticated rite of passage integrating ancient Israelite tradition with indigenous socio-cultural needs. The analysis establishes the retreat's foundation in biblical laws of ritual purity (Leviticus), which mandate separation for states like menstruation and mourning. However, moving beyond a purely scriptural interpretation, this paper examines the retreat’s role as a dynamic mechanism for managing life transitions, reinforcing community bonds, and preserving a distinct Beta Israel identity amidst external pressures. Drawing on ethnographic work from scholars, the study highlights the practice's profound cultural resilience, noting its adaptation in modern contexts while retaining core spiritual meanings. Furthermore, the discussion reframes the retreat through a contemporary lens, revealing its often-overlooked advantages. The period of seclusion provided a form of mandated physiological rest and psychological reprieve, aligning with modern calls for menstrual leave policies and stress relief. Ultimately, this paper contends that the seven-day retreat is not a relic of legalistic isolation but a vital, living institution. The findings underscore the critical importance of documenting and understanding such indigenous knowledge systems, not only for cultural preservation but also for the insights they offer into holistic well-being, community cohesion, and the enduring negotiation between sacred tradition and a changing world.</span></p>