Capturing History - Yemen's Jewish Population

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Jews have lived in Yemen since at least the second century of the Christian era. Their traditions state they arrived before the destruction of the First Temple in 586 b.c.e. Seemingly isolated, Yemeni Jews maintained contact with their coreligionists and so remained current on theological matters.

In Yemen's Islamic era, Jews have lived lives apart from, but comparable with, those of Muslims. Girls married early. Bridewealth was given and polygyny permitted. Jewish singing and dancing styles are similar to those of Muslims. Jewish graves are as simple as those of their neighbors. Jewish society was as stratified as that of Yemeni Muslims. Social position was reflected in …