At first glance, Jewish villages are not very different from surrounding ones. It is the traditional and religious way of life that sets them apart. Today it is considered an insulting name given by the Ethiopians to the foreign community that settled in their country. This term is also used by non-Jews who do not use any of the insulting names. The primitive Beta Israel village communities live under simple and difficult conditions.
Cooking is done on an open fire or simple stove, using earthenware implements.
Campfires or gas lanterns are sometimes used for light at night. The men make a living at agricultural labor, such as tending sheep and working the land which, for the most part, they do not own. There are few businessmen among the Falashas since this would require them to leave the village and come into direct contact with non-Jews. All family members help with housework and agricultural labor. Life proceeds slowly, in a manner typical of Africa, and revolves around the seasons and the sun's daily cycle.