Dear Professor Stern: I am sorry that I was not in when you called. I want to wish you a great deal of luck on your forthcoming trip to India, and the research you will be doing. There has been very little written about Bene Israel. In English I recommend a book called "Kehimkar" published, I believe in England at the end of the last century or the beginning of the present one. If I am not mistaken, it is called "The Bene Israel of India." In Hebrew you will find references to travelogues and other early reports in the volume called בני ישראל, published by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel in Jerusalem in 1962.Once again, my very best wishes in your endeavors.If I can help further, please feel free to call upon me.Cordially yours,Rabbi Norman LammNL/le