Judaism in Yemen - Islamic History

Last updated: November 3rd, 2025 at 11:33 am · Est. Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ancient and Enduring Presence of the Jewish Faith in South Arabia

Overview

Judaism in Yemen refers to the historical presence and development of Jewish communities in the region of South Arabia, particularly in Yemen, from antiquity through the modern era. Yemenite Jews (Yahūd al-Yaman) represent one of the oldest Jewish diasporas, maintaining unique religious traditions, language, and customs for over two millennia. ¹

Ancient Origins

The earliest presence of Jews in Yemen is uncertain, but most scholars date it to at least the early centuries BCE, likely due to trade connections, migration, and royal patronage. Some traditions trace Jewish settlement in Yemen to the time of King Solomon or after the Babylonian exile. By the late 4th century CE, Judaism had become the official religion of the Himyarite Kingdom, particularly under kings such as Abīkarib Asʾad and Dhū Nuwās. ²

Himyarite Judaism

The most significant phase of Jewish history in Yemen occurred during the late Himyarite period (c. 380–525 CE), when the kingdom officially embraced Judaism. Inscriptions from this period invoke Raḥmānān (“the Merciful”), and Jewish practice was state-sponsored. The Jewish Himyarite king Dhū Nuwās launched a campaign against Christian populations in Najrān, prompting the Aksumite (Ethiopian) invasion and the fall of the Himyarite state ³

Medieval and Early Modern Period

Under Islamic rule, Jews in Yemen lived as dhimmīs (protected non-Muslims), often facing discrimination, taxation, and periodic persecution. Despite hardships, they preserved strong rabbinic traditions, biblical scholarship, and liturgical poetry. Distinct religious customs developed, including the Yemenite rite (Baladi, Shami, Rambam traditions), which differ from other Jewish communities in prayer, pronunciation, and halakhah. ⁴

Modern Period and Emigration

In the 20th century, political instability and increasing persecution led to mass emigration. Between 1949–1950, most of Yemen’s Jews were airlifted to Israel in Operation Magic Carpet. Smaller numbers remained until the 21st century, but as of 2020, only a handful remain. Yemenite Jews have contributed greatly to Israeli religious scholarship, music, and cultural life, while preserving unique traditions dating back to antiquity. ⁵

End Notes

Shelomo Dov Goitein, “The Jews of Yemen: History, Culture, and Identity,” in Studies in Islamic History and Institutions (Leiden: Brill, 1966), pp. 305–324.
Christian Robin, “Les Juifs du Ḥimyar,” in Les communautés juives dans le monde arabe, ed. Michel Abitbol (Paris: Maisonneuve & Larose, 1980).
Glen W. Bowersock, The Throne of Adulis: Red Sea Wars on the Eve of Islam (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013), pp. 104–113.
Yosef Tobi, The Jews of Yemen: Studies in Their History and Culture (Leiden: Brill, 1999).
Reuben Ahroni, Yemenite Jewry: Origins, Culture, and Literature (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1996).