bombay revitalized

In India, there are three main groups of Jews: the Bene Israel in Mumbai, the Cochini in Kochi, and the Baghdadi in Kolkata.

Bombay revitalized is a glimpse into the thriving community of mostly Bene Israel jews that live in the vibrant city of Bombay (Mumbai). While their numbers have greatly decreased since many have moved to Israel, the community still boasts multiple synagogues with full congregations, and an active community life. While some Jews have returned to Bombay after decades spent abroad, the general feeling is that the community will continue to decrease. In the meantime though, the Bene Israel are continuing centuries of tradition in Bombay.

The Shaare Rahamim Synagogue in Mumbai is the oldest synagogue in the city, built in 1796. It is not as oft-frequented as others in the city, but worshippers occasionally come by for certain services.

While Mumbai boasts the largest Bene Israel congregations, Pune, 3 horus from Mumbai, has two working synagogues and several hundred members. Here, the child of the caretaker iat the Succoth Synaoggue runs down the stairs. THey are in preparation for Rosh Hoshanah services, and are cleaning out the synagogue.

Benjamin Reuben Galsurkar takes a nap under a painting of Jerusalem in the hostel the Galsurkar family owns. The hostel was once a place to house refugees fleeing the Nazis during World War II, and then became a hostel to house Jewish students coming from outside Mumbai to study the religion.

Traditionally, Jews eat apples and honey for the New Year to bless a “sweet new year”. The Bene Israel add peas for fertility, banana to bless the fruit of the earth, dates to bless the fruit of the trees, and pomegranates to enable them to say a blessing for a new food eaten that year.

In Tifereth's room in Mumbai, her drawings of princesses mix with the Indian and Israeli flag.

he Galsurkars are a prominent Jewish family in Mumbai. They often have young people over for Shabbat dinner on Friday nights.

Norman Elijah, a member of the reform congregation in Mumbai, reads a letter from the head of the Union for Reform Judaism, congratulating the community and wishing them a happy new year.

At Leya Elias' home in Mumbai, friends gather after the Sea Prayer services. Talk frequently revolves around who is leaving for Israel and why they should or should not go.

any Jewish homes in Mumbai have artwork dedicated to Israel, as a constant reminder of the Jewish homeland.

Simchat Torah celebrations in the Magen Hassidim Synagogue. A Rabbi once said "On Simchat Torah the scrolls wish to dance, so we become their feet". It is a favorite holiday of the Bene Israel.

Magen David Synagogue, built by David Sassoon in 1864.