World Karaite Movement

Activities Report
2001

Formation of World Karaite Movement

The World Karaite Movement and its predecessors have been active in disseminating the truth of Karaism since 1998. In 2001 an umbrella organization was formed taking in the Karaite Korner Web Site, the Light of Israel Tract Center, and the British-based Karaite Jews of the Diaspora. The umbrella organization was dubbed World Karaite Movement and established in the State of Israel as a non-for-profit organization. The goals of the World Karaite Movement, as described in its charter, are as follows:

"A) The World Karaite Movement is a religious and cultural movement that will engage in the research of Biblical Judaism, dissemination of information on that topic, and building a community of believers in Biblical Judaism. As well as: B) Publication of pamphlets, newsletters, or publications of any kind related to the activities of the movement or on topics of interest to the movement. C) To work to improve channels of communications between believers in Biblical Judaism and to hold regular meetings between them throughout Israel and outside Israel. D) To establish, run, fund, and support institutions whose goals are congruent with the goals of the Foundation including raising funds and donations to fund the goals above and following. E) To engage in any other activity whose goal is consistent with the general goals of the movement."

Karaite Web Site

The World Karaite Movement maintains a strong web presence through the Karaite Korner web site. The web site contains general information about Karaism, information on the Karaite calendar, dates of Karaite holidays, history of Karaism, and detailed articles about Karaite beliefs and practices. In 2001 over 150,000 people visited the Karaite Korner web site. Because of the site's huge success, the Movement had to upgrade to a new server that could handle the heavy traffic.

The web site is the most effective way to spread the truth of Karaism to the largest number of people and for this reason the Movement invests a great deal of time, money, and effort into improving the site's content and layout. One recent addition to the site was an article on the Kashrut of chicken from a Tanach perspective by Hakham Meir Rekhavi. More than just providing vital information on this very practical issue of daily life, articles of this sort serve as examples for new adherents of Karaism on how to interpret the Tanach for themselves.

The Movement also invests much time and effort into promoting the web site. The most basic form of promotion consists of cataloguing the site in the numerous internet search engines and online indexes. In addition, new articles are promoted through an “update notification” sent out through the "newsletter". Many of the subscribers forward the updates to friends and other discussion groups, drawing even more people to the site and increasing public awareness about Karaism. Through the web site the Movement is in contact with thousands of people who send in inquiries and questions. The questions are fielded by WKM staff members Nehemia Gordon and Hakham Meir Rekhavi.

Web Site Translation

One of the central goals of the World Karaite Movement is to inform people throughout the world of every race and nationality about the truth of Karaism. Towards this end we have endeavored to make information available in as many languages as possible. In the past, most of the articles were only available in English with a handful of articles translated into Hebrew, Russian, Italian, and Spanish. In the past year a Dutch site was created with the help of Govert Erren containing extensive information on Karaism. Several German articles written and translated by Gerhard Nuhn were also added to the site. The Hebrew section of the site was re-organized and augmented with the diverse Hebrew writings of Hakham Mordecai Alfandari (of blessed memory). The Movement is currently exploring the possibility of having the site translated into other languages and is working with a number of translators to increase the information available in Spanish and Russian.

Newsletter

The Karaite Korner Newsletter was established in 1998 and has grown since then from a few dozen subscribers to over 1,500. The original function of the newsletter was to announce sightings of the New Moon and Abib to those interested in keeping the Biblical holidays according to the true Biblical Calendar. In the last few years, as more and more groups became aware that this information was readily available they moved over from pre-calculated calendars to the Biblical observational calendar. Today this calendar is observed by thousands of people throughout the world, including a large number of non-Karaites. Those non-Karaites following the Karaite calendar are also exposed to other aspects of Karaism through the newsletter and web site. Many gain a respect for the Karaite understanding of the Torah, while a small number have even joined the Karaite Movement.

Abib and New Moon

The World Karaite Movement has taken a leading role in carrying out New Moon and Abib observations. Monthly new moon observations are carried out from rooftops and peaks across the Land of Israel. The observations are collected by WKM staffers, who then send out the results. This allows keepers of the biblical calendar throughout the world to learn within a few hours about New Moon sightings. Every October, members of the WKM plant barley plots in various areas around Israel and in March the Abib Expedition sets out to search for the Abib Barley. Images of Abib Barley are broadcast across the internet allowing those in the far distant lands of the exile to observe the correct calendar dates for the first time in centuries.

Karaites Discussion Forum

As the message of Karaism spread across cyber-space, more and more people were drawn to Biblical Judaism. At first this expressed itself in a small number of individuals asking for guidance on how to live by the Tanach. As the number increased and the same questions were asked over and over, it became clear that there was a need to form a group where believers could discuss Karaism with others of like mind. Today some 55 families are subscribed to the Karaites Discussion Forum and since its founding 5,300 e-mails have been exchanged. The Karaites Discussion Forum has served not only to educate its members about living in accordance with the Mikra, but has given the members a sense of community which was otherwise lacking due to the absence of a physical Karaite Community in their area.

Member's Page

In recent months an effort has been made to increase the sense of community for Forum members. In late 2001 a “Meet the Members” page was set up by Devorah Gordon with brief bios and pictures. The page is a useful means for the members to get to know one another on a personal level and form bonds.

Chat Sessions

In addition to the e-mail Discussion Forum a series of live chat sessions were coordinated for members of the Forum. This live contact is vital to increase the members' sense of community. At the same time it provides for an environment of intense Torah study where complex issues can be discussed with a live group. Sessions up till now have discussed such issues as Hannukah: National Holiday or Pagan Feast, Biblical Fasts, and Conversion to Judaism.

WKM Worldwide Conference

Initial planning has begun for the first international conference of the World Karaite Movement. In recent years the number of new-Karaites in the US has increased significantly and continues to grow weekly. These new believers are mostly scattered across the 50 states. Yet few of them have met one another, let alone veteran Karaites. Many living in the same state only know each other by first name and e-mail address. The goal of the conference is to bring together Karaites from across the world for an exchange of ideas and information. The convention will also give the members a chance to meet one another and increase their sense of community and belonging. It is hoped that the personal ties formed at the convention will develop into lasting contacts between Karaite families in distant regions. The preliminary date for the planned convention is Summer 2002 in the USA.

Faith Strengthened Project

The Movement has begun a project to re-publish the English translation of the classical Karaite work Hizzuk Emunah. This book was written in the 16th century by the Karaite sage Isaac of Troki. The book contains a detailed discourse on the Messiah and the End of Days from a purely Tanach perspective. This classic work has been studied throughout the centuries by Rabbanites and Karaites alike. In recent years the English translation has become scarce and a re-publication is long overdo. A revised translation corrected according to the Hebrew text will be made readily available on the internet and will include a PDF version, for easy printing. This is truly a group project with new believers volunteering their time to typeset, proofread, and edit the book under the direction of project coordinator Robert Sewell.

Torah Study Sessions

In 2001 the Karaite Movement hosted numerous Torah study sessions across the globe. These meetings ranged from one on one Torah study with new believers to informal discussions with potential believers and members of the general public. Meetings of this sort were held in Jerusalem by Nehemia Gordon and Adam Cowan. Similar meetings also took place in Leeds, England under the auspices of Hakham Meir Rekhavi and in St. Petersburg, Russia and Hanover, Germany led by Gershom Tsipris. Over Sukkot a series of meetings in Jerusalem attended by non-Karaite adherents of the biblical calendar focused on the New Moon and Abib. Two weekends devoted to the "Karaite Sabbath Experience" were held in Jerusalem and Beth Shemesh. A series of live chat sessions were offered to non-Karaite audiences on various topics of Karaite Halakhah, such as the Torah laws regarding shaving and the Sabbath.

Passover Seder

In 2001 the Movement held a group Passover Seder in Beth Shemesh, Israel hosted by Adam and Zoey Cowan. Participants took turns reading biblical passages about the miracle of the Exodus and the Passover Sacrifice. Everyone enjoyed celebrating together and eating Matzot prepared in the traditional Karaite manner. The evening ended with the singing of songs and a blessing over the meal.

European Lecture Series

In September 2001 a series of meetings and lectures organized by Hans de Veen and Nehemia Gordon were held in Germany and Holland. The highlight of the series was a Karaite prayer service held in the old Jewish synagogue of Gouda, Holland. The event was heralded by the Dutch press as the first Jewish prayer service in Gouda since the Holocaust. The service was attended by members of the local Jewish community and general public who joined in the recitation of Psalms according to the traditional Karaite rite and reading from the Torah in Dutch.

Talks with Community Leaders

One of the challenges facing the Karaite Movement is that the general public is profoundly unaware or misinformed about the nature of Karaism. Even learned theologians have little idea of what Karaism is all about. To remedy this a project has been initiated to meet with theologians and prominent leaders in various countries and explain to them what Karaites believe. Gershom Tsipris has headed this campaign, meeting with community leaders in Germany, Belgium, and Russia. Karaism was introduced to over thirty European aristocrats, leaders of the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches, Muslim clerics, politicians, and captains of industry. The hope is that if these religious and community leaders gain a better understanding of Karaite beliefs and practices this knowledge will be passed on to their constituents.

Public Presentations

Another way to increase awareness about Karaism is by giving public lectures. In 2001, Nehemia Gordon talked about Karaism on the Israeli Television program Chotse Yisrael and gave an interview on Karaite beliefs to Dutch Radio. Gershom Tsipris presented Karaism to Russian speaking audiences through appearances on five Television broadcasts. Tsipris also gave some half dozen public lectures on Karaism. These included a lecture on "How to Keep the Sabbath According to the Mikra" given to a conference of Russian Seventh Day Adventists, a lecture on Karaite history to scholars at the St. Petersburg Institute of Judaic Studies, and a lecture about Karaite beliefs to a convention of Catholic priests in Germany. Nehemia Gordon is currently working with television producers to create a half hour documentary on the true Biblical Calendar. The program will be aired with Spanish translation on a cable-television network that reaches 50 million viewers.

Newspaper Articles

The activities of the World Karaite Movement have been the subject of a number of newspaper articles including: Global Jewish Agenda (Apr 6, 2000), Jerusalem Post (Aug 6, 1999; Sep 24, 1999), and New Jersey Jewish News (Aug 31, 2000). Journalist James Ross discussed the Karaite Korner web site and its founder Nehemia Gordon at length in the book Fragile Branches released in 2000. In February 2001 the Jewish Week published a short piece on the Karaite Korner web site. In September 2001 a series of articles appeared in the Dutch press announcing the Karaite prayer services held in Gouda.

Pamphlet distribution

In 2001 a pilot project was carried out in Jerusalem and Beth Shemesh to distribute pamphlets on Karaite topics. The goal of the project was to stimulate members of the general public to think about the Tanach and question their preconceptions about how to keep the commandments. In the pilot project hundreds of pamphlets were distributed on the topic of Shavuot (Feast of Weeks). In the future this project will be expanded. Preparations are underway to distribute thousands of copies of Mordecai Alfandari's pamphlet "What is the Torah?" in both Hebrew and English.

English Booklet on Karaism

The World Karaite Movement took part in the preparation of a booklet entitled "As It Is Written". The project was initiated by Shawn Lichaa of California who arranged and wrote the booklet incorporating materials from the Karaite Korner web site. Additional assistance and information was provided by Nehemia Gordon. Lichaa plans to have the booklet printed and distributed to every Egyptian Karaite family in the USA. The goal of the project is to promote awareness among Egyptian Karaites about their religious heritage.

Karaite Publications

In addition to numerous articles on Karaite Halakhah, the Movement published a number of books in print and electronic format. In March, a newly revised edition of the Karaite Haggadah was issued. The new edition emphasizes the biblical account of the Exodus and includes an English translation prepared by Hakham Meir Rekhavi. In 2001 the Movement also published an electronic edition of the Karaite Siddur. Based on the Firkovich edition of 1870, this new edition includes an English translation prepared by Nehemia Gordon. An abridged Siddur was also printed in Holland along with a Dutch translation and transliteration, prepared by Nehemia Gordon and Hans De Veen. Work continues on the book Derekh Hammikra (The Way of Scripture) by Hakham Meir Rekhavi. The book will consist of an original translation into English of all the Halakhic passages in the Torah, arranged by topic.

Testimonials

The World Karaite Movement works to assist new believers on their journey into Karaism. The following are letters written by new believers telling how they were affected by projects of the World Karaite Movement:

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Michael Dillon

California, USA

Jan 2, 2001

I have been on the [Karaite Discussion] list for over 2 years now. This forum is like water coming out of a rock in the desert, with nice palm trees for some shade from the intense heat. It is truly and sincerely SANITY for me to be able to expose my awareness to the topics and questions that are available 6 days a week.

I think one of the best of the many benefits that is so valuable to me is the strengthening of my FAITH in YHWH. I like so many others who was born into some man made religion and fed so many out right lies during our most impressionable years, feel like some sort of retard when you realize how far away from the truth we are. I did not even know the name of the God of Abraham until a couple of years ago. That is pretty sick when you have been on this earth for 52 years. I am very grateful to get the name right before I pass on. I could name numerous other critical subjects being taught on this forum that build true faith, but I'm sure you get the picture.

The real truth is I now can see better than ever. No longer are the old ghosts haunting me from my youth, no fears of burning in hell fire for all eternity with un-quenching flames...... no virgins running around having babies.... How I ever believed such non-sense is another mystery. Most importantly my mind is being rebuilt by reading the Tanach only.... My perception penetrates deeper into a matter now after spending time in the Tanach. I don't get tossed around like before with all the man made doctrines.... I do the tossing now.... here you go xtian missionary man you need to repent for pushing your lies around!!!

I could go on and on about the far reaching effects the Karaite Movement is having in my life. Thank You for the work you are doing on this planet especially at this time in history.

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Yahchannah Baldus

Arkansas, USA

Dec 30, 2001

I had been thinking yesterday about what the [Karaites Discussion] forum had meant to me.

I received an email from another on this forum asking if our website was under new ownership for he remembered it as xtian, messianic/Jewish [web site]. I realized that the website reflected the growth of the owners brought about by the mercy of YHWH.

This forum has been a great help in the activating of this growth. The questions I never thought to ask are not only asked here but most often answered. Insights that I never even knew existed have been explored here. I have been able to voice my understandings and either have them corrected or supported, whichever the proper response was.

This is a forum dedicated to truth, at least in my estimation. YHWH is honored here above all.

I am a different person today than I was last year and you and the group who are a part of this forum have played a great role in these changes. Praise YHWH.

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Ivan Labombarbe

Fairport, New York

Dec 31, 2001

I had started attending a discussion group with the World Karaite Movement a few years back. I have found this to be the most lively and fruitful discussions I have found on the study of how we are to live and serve YHWH. It truly is a thought provoking group and has helped me to grow in my knowledge of what I need to do to follow YHWH. Many of my preconceptions and former associations have been changed by being a part of this movement. I was a previous proponent of the dark moon theory for the new moon. I had even written a booklet on it. Since coming into contact with the WKM I have seen that the first crescent is the true new moon. I have also seen the need to learn Hebrew to help in my ability to read the plain meaning of the Tanakh.

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Nava Rose

Oklahoma, USA

This forum has been a blessing! I've learned more on this forum in 1 year ~ than I've learned in many years of self study, studies with rabbis, and studies with pastors.

The people seem to be extremely caring. It's fun and informative to communicate on this forum. It's nice to see a place where truth can be shared, and where everyone's encouraged to seek it for themselves.

Nehemia has been extremely helpful explaining Hebrew and how it relates to scriptures. Another thing I've really enjoyed is the New Moon report.

Devorah has also been a big help with the logs, her Hebrew interpretations, the member page, and her cheerful attitude.

Also, I really appreciate that Nehemia allowed me to become a part of this forum. Thank you Nehemia I appreciate you!

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Robin

Michigan, USA

Today I finished reading all of the messages in the Archives... I've learned a lot about Karaism and the people here. I am very please to be a member of this forum, you're all such wonderful individuals! I'd have to say the majority of my questions were answered in just being persistent in reading through the archives, without feeling like I was taking up all of your time by asking questions that have already been answered before. I feel as if my spirit has been refreshed and all of your words have been like a breath of fresh air to me. I have finally come home, free from all the fences and traditions of man. <choking up now>

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Carrie

Florida, USA

Robin,

Your post was very sweet and moving. I too, feel I have grown spiritually since being accepted as a member of this forum. I feel very blessed to have people like Hakham Meir, Hakham Nehemia, and lately Robert seems to be putting forth a lot of effort to get his views out. I believe in one creator of all, and am very blessed to have people here to keep the Almighty's word striving.

The one thing that intrigues me most is the differences of view points on this forum. Example, when Nehemia and Meir do not see eye to eye they express themselves with dignity and not rudeness. They speak with wisdom and such calmness that I truly feel peace from these two men. I pray everyday that YHWH brings me to such enlightenment and leadership skills such as these two powerful speakers of our group. I am sure they strive everyday to be more like YHWH, I know I do. ... For us to be able to come together and learn of YHWH and his laws, we are truly special.