Religious Retreat of Spiritual Mumbai: Synagogue

The Jewish community who arrived from outside the country’s borders and made India their home, despite being overshadowed by the multitude of other religions, has a long and storied history.

Primarily, there are two branches of Jewish identity that can be found in Mumbai. As per a local legend, Bene Israeli Jews that arrived at an earlier date were originally 14 Israeli survivors of the massive shipwreck along the western coast of India and they took refuge in Nagaon near Alibag. They got blended with the local culture and even adopted Marathi language. They originally lived in Raigad district but eventually migrated to Mumbai along with the emergence of British colonization. However, Baghdadi Jews such as David Sassoon and others are said to be part of the later wave of Jewish entry.

The place of Jewish prayer as with every religion, synagogue is a building where Jews can unite and praise their god. The attributes of synagogue have significance and aid the Jews to fulfil their religious commitments. Simple yet striking architectural features of synagogue include a square structure having beautiful Star of David outside, within which there is a large congregation hall, a huge ornate cupboard consisting copies of Torah (holy Jewish scriptures), Ram’s horn trumpet called Shofar kept on the shelf next to cupboard and Menorah, a sacred seven candle holder. Usually, there are kitchens and abattoir nearby the synagogue with Shoshet (ritual slaughterer) performing his duties for making the availability of ritual food made as per the Kosher laws.

One of the examples of Bene Israeli Synagogues is Shaar Hashamaim (Gate of Heaven) at Thane built in 1880, which also has only Shoshet left in the Mumbai Metropolitian region. There is a major influx to the lake city whereby 40% of the Jewish Community of India resides there and making the Gate of Heaven synagogue as the centre of all Jewish Activities. Undergoing rehabilitations, the community decided maintain its original charm by keeping several elements as it is.

Shaar Hashamayim, Thane. Credit: Surendra Kumar. Courtesy: Jewish Heritage of the Deccan, by Kenneth Robbins and Pushkar Sohoni, Jaico Books.

Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue is an example of Baghdadi Jews synagogue located at fort built in 1884 by Jacob Sassoon, the grandson of David Sassoon that has been restored twice. Originally found out to be Victorian-style deep green colour, it was however changed to blue colour after its beautiful restoration of stained glass, cleaning of original floor tiles, fresh look given to the interiors and a separate seating made for women. Chairs, chandeliers and other artefacts were not changed. The restored neo-classical structure for the first time was made allowed by the non-Jews to not only take a look at the place of worship but will also be welcomed to take part in the prayers.

Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue, Fort.

https://scroll.in/magazine/850520/the-2200-year-history-of-indias-bene-israel-jews-began-with-seven-ship-wrecked-couples

Mumbai is very modern in its approach towards life, yet has its roots deeply grounded in

traditions and ethnicity. Delay no further as soon as things normalize after pandemic to

add one of these sacred places to visit for evoking your inner spirituality.