Kochi’s 800-year-old Kadavumbhagam Jewish Synagogue open from today: What to see, location and more

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After a renovation effort that spanned many years, the 'Kadavumbhagam Jewish Synagogue' in Kerala's Kochi opens today for visitors. The synagogue, in Ernakulam Market Road, is one of the seven synagogues in Kochi and is considered the oldest restored synagogue of the Malabar Jews. Among them, only the Kadavumbhagam synagogue and the Paradesi synagogue are owned by private entities. The government has taken over the rest. The synagogue, which was in a dilapidated state, was renovated under the leadership of Eliyas Josephai, a member of the Jewish community. Josephai said that restoration was completed with the cooperation of people who belong to various religions. The renovation works began in 2003.
Apparently, people used to visit this synagogue till the 1970s and offer prayers. After the death of Josephai's dad, who was the Hazzan (prayer leader) of the synagogue, many of his family members, including brothers and many community members, left for Israel. However, feeling a strong connection to his Kerala roots and the synagogue, Josephai, a businessman, decided to stay put. As per Jewish tenets, at least 10 adult male members should be present to conduct rituals at the synagogue. As there weren't enough Jews, the synagogue went into a pity state, with even rats occupying its insides. The renovation works started after Josephai met three Jewish tourists, who agreed to help him mobilise funds from global Jewish communities for the works.

What to see at the synagogue
The Kadavumbhagam synagogue was built following the model of the Muziris synagogue, which was ruined in 1165 CE following the gradual rise of the sea level. The synagogue was built in 1200 CE. The much-popular Mattancherry synagogue of the Sephardic Jews was established in 1568. The Kadavumbhagom synagogue was renovated later, in 1700 CE. Here's what you get to see in the renovated synagogue:
1) Multi-coloured glass lamps, contributed by supporters from different religious beliefs. For instance, Swami Hariprasad from Chennai contributed lamps that bear his mother's memory. Baker from Malappuram also has contributed lamps.
2) The handwritten holy book of the Jews, 'Sefer Torah,' which Josephai brought from Israel in 2018.
3) A holocaust memorial photo exhibition named 'Courage to Remember.' It will run for 5 days from the opening ceremony.

4) Following the style of the Jewish Paradesi synagogue in Mattancherry, the new Kadavumbhagam synagogue has Chinese tiles crafted by Chettinad tiles craftsmen. These tiles boast of an aesthetic, antique quality and natural colours.
How to reach?
The synagogue is located amid the Ernakulam Market on Market Road, behind the plant and aquarium shop named Cochin Blossoms, run by Josephai. Note that there is a ruined Kadavumbhagam synagogue in Mattancherry as well, but this is a different one.