The BBC recently posted this photo essay about the Jews of Uganda, known as the Abayudaya. (Hat tip to my mom.)

You might assume they’re a “lost tribe” like the Ethiopians, but this small sect arose in the early 1900’s after Ugandan leader Semei Kakungulu broke away from the British Christians and began following the ways of the Old Testament. Even though he’d never met another Jew, Kakungulu circumcised himself and his sons and adhered to his strict interpretation of Torah. (Read more about their complex and fascinating history here.)

I’ve had their CD on my Shabbat rotation for a year now, and this is one inspiring, grooving group of Jews.