Scope and arrangement
The Beth Elohim Hebrew Congregation audio collection consists of ten audio recordings. Since the collection's original formats are audio cassettes, the items contain two parts, one for each side of the cassette. They are arranged alphabetically by last name and in sequence by parts.
The interviewees are: Rabbi Irving J. Block, Hannah Harrison, Brother David Lee, Chief Rabbi Levi Ben Levy, Maude McLeod, Rabbi Hailu Moshe Paris, and Rabbi James (Yokanan) Poinsett. All interviews are conducted by Rabbi Sholomo Ben Levy, unless stated otherwise. A brief biography for each person is included in the item descriptions. The scope of the interviews range from subjects' relationship with Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew (Rabbi W.A. Matthew), their religious journeys, the founding of the Hebrew Israelite community in New York City, and their experiences as Black Jews.
Many of the interviewees trace the beginnings of their religious journey to Rabbi W.A. Matthew (1892/3 -1973). He was a prominent leader of the Hebrew Israelite community (also referred to as Black Hebrew Israelites, Black Hebrews, Black Israelites, and African Hebrew Israelites). In 1919, he founded the Commandment Keepers of the Living God (now Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation of the Living God Pillar & Ground of Truth, Inc.) in Harlem, New York City. He also founded the Israelite Rabbinical Academy, teaching and ordaining many African American rabbis.