Yonathan Thangkhohao Touthang Z”l (1940-2008)

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Yonathan Thangkhohao Touthang was born on March 1, 1940, in Pilhan village, Churachandpur district. He married Hatjalam Ruth Touthang in 1970. The couple was endowed with seven offspring. All of his children—Rivka, Devora, Zevulun, Reuben, Yocheved, Dikla, and Rina—along with their respective families, reside in Israel.

The extensive impact of Western Christianization in the late 1890s induced significant transformations within the Manmashi tribe inhabiting Myanmar and Northeast India.

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The inaugural missionary to arrive in Manipur was Reverend William Pettigrew. He was an educator and Scottish-British Christian missionary. He departed England for India in 1890 and arrived in Bengal.

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The Anglo-Manipur War (31 March–27 April 1891) necessitated his delay in entering Manipur from Cachar (Assam). Following the war's conclusion, which resulted in a British victory, Pettigrew arrived in Imphal in January 1894, becoming the first foreign missionary to enter Manipur.

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As previously stated, the advent of Christianity led many members of the Manmashi tribe (Kuki, Chin, and Mizo) to embrace the Christian faith around 1920, with a significant portion of the population already converted. However, by 1950, a pivotal moment occurred for the Manmashi tribe as some individuals began to question their customs and traditions, which bore resemblance to biblical laws.

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In the 1960s, when the Bible was translated into vernacular languages, individuals commenced independent study of the text and discovered striking similarities between the narratives, customs, and practices of the Israeli people and their own.

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Notably, the name Menashe became a focal point of discourse, as prior to Christianity, the Manmashi tribe, adherents of Animism, consistently invoked the name Manmashi in their rituals and prayers.

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For instance, during an earthquake, they would vociferously proclaim, "We are here, sons of Manmashi; we are alive and cannot be lost," as their tradition holds that their ancestors trembled the earth in search of their lost descendants.

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Yonathan Touthang also joined the Indian Army for six years, where he acquired skills in sportsmanship, including boxing. However, serving in the army was not his aspirational career, so he departed from military service and became a contractor, which afforded him the opportunity to study and learn about the Manmashi tradition, which bears similarities to Jewish traditions.

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In the late 1960s, a pivotal moment occurred when T. Daniel Lhungdim, a close associate of Yonathan Touthang, initiated his research program to uncover the true origins and identity of the Kuki, Chin, and Mizo, ultimately concluding that they were among the ten lost tribes of Israel. Subsequently, Daniel, along with his two close associates, Yosef Lhanghal and Shemuel Sumthang, published a book titled “Israel Ihiuve,” meaning “we are Israelite,” in 1974. The book became a focal point of discussion among the Manmashi Kuki in Manipur.

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In the early 1960s, several groups in Mizoram and Manipur began to recognize that the Sabbath should be observed instead of Sunday; despite observing the Sabbath, these groups continued to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.

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Yonathan Touthang was one of the individuals grappling with his internal ambiguities regarding the tradition of Manmashi and its connection to the biblical laws.

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His fervor for uncovering the truth regarding the Manmashi custom and tradition led him to become an intimate associate of T. Daniel, Yosef Lhanghal, and Sum Shemuel Haokip. Consequently, when the United Jew of North East India (UJNEI) disbanded in January 1975, Yonathan Touthang was already a prominent member of the organization endorsing the pro-Judaic ideology advocated by T. Daniel.

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In 1975, the United Jews of Northeast India commemorated Purim for the inaugural time in New Pangsang village. Yonathan Touthang significantly contributed to the success of the festivals, with prominent leaders including his associate President V.L. Benjamin, Advisor J. Joseph Lhanghal, and Secretary Daniel Lhungdim.

During the event, it was announced that Bina Benjamin would be traveling to Bombay to study at ORT, an international Jewish-operated organization that provides vocational training in areas including printing, hairdressing, office skills, and early childhood education. The community's acceptance within the broader Jewish world elicited widespread excitement.

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That same year the inaugural Pesach celebration was hosted by the residents of Gelmoul village under the leadership of David Jamkhosem Lhungdim chief of Old Gelmuol, and it was likewise successful.

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The Bnei Menashe, despite their adherence to Judaism, lack a crucial element: a Mohel. They frequently resort to hospitals for circumcision, yet those residing in isolated villages face challenges in accessing urban centers.

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Consequently, in 1990 Yonathan assumed the responsibility of Mohel, acquiring the necessary skills to perform circumcisions and traveling to remote villages to fulfill the mitzvah of Milah.

 

Hospitality to guests was one of his most valued characteristics, especially when the guest came from the Manmashi community, who adhere to Judaism faith.

 

In 1990, when Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail of blessed memory visited the Bnei Menashe in Manipur, Yonathan and his family were among those present to welcome the esteemed Rabbi at Sendra Moirang Manipur.

 

Yonathan Touthang's commitment to Judaism bore fruit when he immigrated to Eretz Israel on February 3, 1998, with his entire family; he was also fortunate to witness his grandchildren in Israel.

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On December 12, 2008, Yonathan Touthang passed away and was laid to rest in Givat Shaul Har Hamenukha; his dedication to Judaism will be eternally recorded in the annals of Bnei Menashe.