A Living Piece Of History - The Cochin Jewish Synagogue

Cochin in India, belongs to the province of Ernakulam

. In 1500 the Jews who were settled along the Malabar Coast in Kerala enjoyed a very lucrative trade position for spices. They built a synagogue there, which however was destroyed by the Dutch when they were persecuting the Malabari Jews. Later, in 1568, the Raja of Cochin donated land adjacent to his Mattancherry Palace, in Cochin, to the Malabari Jews. Then with the aid and support of the Dutch, they built another synagogue which came to be known as the Paradesi Synagogue. The name Paradesi literally means foreigners. This denotes the unusual patronage of the Dutch in the building process.

This synagogue, also known as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth regions. It is also the only active synagogue in Cochin. The celebration of the synagogues 400th year in 1968, was attended by the then Indian Prime Minister, Indira Ghandi.

The synagogue also houses valuable gifts donated to it from across the world. The scrolls of the law, gold and silver crowns, a brass railing pulpit, chandeliers made of Belgian glass, copper plates with Tamil inscriptions, and an oriental rug from the Ethiopian Emperor are some of these unique gifts. The 18th century clock tower is a work of art as well as the individually hand crafted porcelain Chinese tiles which make up the floor of the synagogue.

The traditions of the synagogue have been influenced by the surrounding Hindu practices. Thereby entry is only barefoot, certain colours are worn during certain festivals and there is no Rabbi as the head of the synagogue- instead there are elders.

The synagogue has undergone a few reconstructions and repairs over the years; however it still retains the same structure as of old. It is a historic site and is well worth a visit. The traveller looking for an Ernakulam hotel to base himself from will be pleased with The Gateway Hotel Marine Drive Ernakulam. The central location and ample amenities offered by this hotel makes it the ideal accommodation option.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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