Synagogues of Bombay

During my stay in Mumbai I did some sightseeing, focusing one day on a guided tour of the synagogues of Mumbai. I booked the tour through Mumbai Magic and I was given access to synagogues most tourists don’t get to see, thanks to my awesome guide Yael.    It started with the oldest synagogue, which is actually a Bene Israel temple. The story behind this group is truly fascinating and worthy of a motion picture.  Yael is featured in this video in you want to know more.

Here’s another interesting link.

Amazing to think the Bene Israel predate the use of synagogues because they came from the actual Temple in Jerusalem. The caretaker of the Shaar Harahamim (Gates of Mercy) synagogue showed us how he makes the lamps and then set them up.

This is the oldest synagogue in Munbai

Exterior of Shaar Harahamim with caretaker at the door.

Next on the agenda was the Magen David Synagogue, with a striking clock tower, established by the venerable David Sassoon.

Exterior from the back, there are a few schools surrounding the synagogue as well.

This is the interior of the most active synagogue, the Tippereth Israel.

The caretaker was proud to show me the Torahs including this one gifted by his grandfather.

Check the other post for other tourist sites I saw in Mumbai, including the Dharavi slum. But for this post we include the most spectacular synagogue, the Kenneseth Eliyahoo.

Look at these beautiful interiors, only accessible up a steep flight of steps.

Taking it all in for a moment.

View from the women’s balcony.

Exterior needs some love but the detail is amazing.

A short video walk through.

And here is a look at the David Sassoon library, you have to be a member to really look around inside.  I could have tried to play the Fulbright card I suppose…