COMMUNITY LIFE AND CULTURE
“Divine culture is the perpetual trademark that secures the identity of a righteous people and secures the existence of our eternal, living Yah.”         Ben Ammi

It is very easy to gauge the true values and the cultural substance of a society by the way its members exemplify its culture. The African Hebrew Israelites, in our return to a Yah-based culture, strive to present a different standard in every facet of life. It is important that our clothing, music, food and language reflect the glory and the higher standards of Yah in order that we may be pleasing unto the source from which we have derived our substance. We offer an alternative to those who seek integrity, respectability and honor in their lives.

We, the Sons and Daughters of Yah, understand that we have been set apart (sanctified) from the confusion existing in present world imagery. We understand that it is our sacred duty to embrace a Divine culture that projects and protects the uniqueness, holiness, beauty and glory of ourselves, thus glorifying Yah.

In today's world, man has created so many diversions from, substitutions for and limitations of the true worship of God that the people have lost their way. We were astounded when we realized just how far we had been led away from God and the drastic changes required for us to fulfill our responsibility to God as Hebrew Israelites. Nonetheless, we have committed ourselves to the high degree of courage and discipline required to establish an alternative lifestyle that is in harmony with the cycles of God.
The Hebrew Israelites have fashioned an exemplary lifestyle that fosters an atmosphere of intellectual development, resourcefulness and creativity, minimizing social trauma and violence.

Within the Hebraic lifestyle, everything that we do and create is to reflect and give credence to the righteousness of Yah (God), the source of all life.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
HEALTH, DIET AND NUTRITION
Within our community the principles of preventive health care form the basis for a vibrant lifestyle in which illness is virtually non-existent.

House of Life
Illness is so rare that communal healthcare facilities are devoted almost exclusively to childbirth. The “House of Life,” the natural child birthing center founded by the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, is the crown jewel of this successful system, a thriving prototype setting a new standard in wellness. Since its establishment in 1971, over 1,100 children have been delivered without the use of drugs or invasive surgical procedures. Undoubtedly, the post-natal care program of the House of Life is the most advanced in the world, providing care for both the newborn and mother according to Biblical guidelines.

In contrast to modern trends, where financial concerns dominate, the emphasis at the House of Life is clearly upon providing a Divine, wholesome and nurturing atmosphere. Experienced midwives offer insightful instruction through a pre-natal program that ultimately alleviates much of the stress and discomfort normally associated with delivery.

At the time of birth, the atmosphere is one of holiness. Immediately outside the birthing area, Priests read specific prayers that both strengthen and calm the mother, and create a sacred environment for the newborn infant. Afterward, the mother is given a biblically specified period of time (Leviticus 12:2-5) during which she is not to engage in any activities other than the care and nurturing of the newborn child. She spends the first two weeks in the House of Life where her meals are prepared and served, laundry and other tasks are done for her, allowing the mother to focus exclusively on bonding with the new baby and regaining her strength. In the House of Life, all meals are completely vegan, prepared with organic fruits and vegetables grown by the community to ensure the best possible nutrients are provided to the mother. All of this is provided at an average cost of one hundred dollars ($100) for the entire two weeks in the House of Life. Clearly the House of Life has set a new standard in pre and post-natal care, seeking in all ways to be in accordance with the Will and the Plan of God. We have developed the most advanced midwifery and child birthing system in accordance with the laws of the Bible.

Regenerative Health Care and Maintenance
A standard component of our holistic health maintenance process is a regular exercise program of running, walking, bicycling, swimming, stretching, etc., maintained on a three times per week basis for all ages. Sunning, massage and reflexology are also components of this regimen.

In addition, the Sabbath Day rest is utilized as a time of restoration and rejuvenation, study and meditation that helps in the renewal process for the body and spirit.

Diet & Nutrition
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food. Genesis 1:29

God, in His omnipotent wisdom, knew man had to have proper nutrition to ensure man's continued existence on earth. Hence, it was God's intended purpose, in the Genesis of man's creation, to provide the perfect Divine diet based on the herbs and trees of the field. It was man's duty to be obedient to God's dietary plan. Divine nutrition would enable man to maintain himself in a perfect state of Divine health and to achieve longevity. Today we find man suffering from innumerable ills and degenerative diseases. Only an immediate return to the principles of a regenerative diet will enable man to regain entry into the cycles of everlasting life.

The plan for proper, Divine nutrition was enacted by God in the genesis of man's creation in order that man enjoy health and longevity, but also that man's temple be properly maintained to receive and then to utilize the spirit of the living God which would guide and direct his actions. Regenerative principles that govern the High Holy and Sacred Diet include:

n   No animal product or by-products are consumed.
n   Principles of an environmentally and nutritionally sound vegan diet are followed.
n   Fruits and vegetables are eaten in season, which add health to life.
n   During the change of seasons (four set times a year) a national "live food" week is initiated in which no cooked food is consumed.
n   Preceding "live food week,” a sugarless week is initiated in which only designated pure and natural sweeteners are consumed by adults.
n   “No salt” days are observed three times weekly to create a healthy balance in the body.
n   Great attention is paid to ensuring an adequate intake of water.