The Cochin Synagogue ( Paradesi Synagogue) is the oldest synagogue in India , as well as the oldest active [1] synagogue in the British Commonwealth . Located in Cochin , Kerala , in the south of the country.
Content
History
Founded in 1567 or 1568. In the past, there was also a separation of rights for members of the community who were white, black Jews, or freed slaves. In 1968, Indira Gandhi attended the ceremony marking the 400th anniversary of the synagogue.
Synagogue today
Today is a tourist attraction. At the same time, it is the only synagogue in Cochin in which minyan gathers. Due to local circumstances, worshipers should enter the room barefoot. Seats for men and women are separated from each other. Cochin Jews have no rabbis ; elders are engaged in community affairs.
Jewels
The synagogue contains tablets of the Law, several gold crowns donated to it on scrolls, Belgian glass chandeliers, unique handmade porcelain items, and copper plates of the 10th century, on which privileges granted to local Jews are recorded.
Thekkumbhag Synagogue
Thekkumbhagom Synagogue is located in Cochin on the Hebrew Street.
See also
- Cochin Jews
Notes
- ↑ Fernandes, Edna. The Last Jews of Kerala. - London , United Kingdom : Portobello Books. - P. 24. - ISBN 978-1-84627-098-7 .
Links
- WMF - Paradesi Synagogue, Cochin archived February 14, 2005 on the Internet Archive