Jewish Synagogue in kochi

Jewish Synagogue

Also known as Paradesi Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue, Cochin Jewish Synagogue is the oldest active Synagogue in Kochi and the Commonwealth of Nations. Located in the Jew Town area of Kochi, the Synagogue was constructed in 1567 and is one of the seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila.

The Synagogue shared its walls with the Mattancherry Palace and was built by Spanish- speaking Jews; therefore, it is also known as 'Paradesi,' meaning 'foreigners.' brag of rare antiques including beautiful chandeliers, clock tower, brass railed pulpit, Chinese hand-painted tiles, etc. and striking architecture, the Synagogue has four buildings of its own. In 1662, the Synagogue was destroyed by the Portuguese but was later updated by the Dutch after two years.

History of Jewish Synagogue 

Originally the Yehudan Mappila or the Malabari Jews ran a flourishing spice trade in Kerala. The first Synagogue was built in Kodungallur (Cranganore) in the 4th century. But a new synagogue was built here when the Paradesi Jews moved to Kochi in the 14th century. The first Synagogue was destroyed in the 16th century during the Portuguese persecution of Jews. The current one is the second Synagogue built adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace on the land granted to the Jews by the Raja of Kochi. Jewish Synagogue had three classes of members-

• White Jews or the Paradesi Jews- descendants from Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands
• Black Jews or the Malabari Jews- the original Jew settlers of Kochi. They were admitted inside the Synagogue but weren't allowed full membership.
• Meshuchrarim was a group of formerly enslaved people. They were only allowed to sit on the floor inside the Synagogue, or they could only sit on the stairs outside.

Today, the Synagogue allows all devotees and worshippers but has separate sections for men and women. However, the worshippers are required to enter the Synagogue barefoot.

The architecture of the Jewish Synagogue 

Jewish Synagogue boasts of striking architecture now. The central hall is decked in beautiful chandeliers and adorned with gorgeous lamps. Several rare antiques and ancient unique articles on display add to the Synagogue's charm. Besides, the floor is the highlight of the Synagogue, which has been done in bright blue hand-painted tiles belonging to the 18th century Chinese. Many tourists visit here every day to admire the enchanting floor.

 With beautiful pillars holding up the starry roof, there is also a pulpit at the center with brass nails. A separate porch has been built for women with gorgeous protruding golden columns and a teak arc. At the front, there are four scrolls of the Torah encased in silver and gold. Other attractions include 4th-century copper plates with inscriptions and two gold crowns of olden-day kings.