Years ago, I gawked at pictures of the handmade tiles that adorn this famous 16th century synagogue. I never imagined that one day I would walk on those handmade Chinese tiles or gaze up at the colored glass lanterns. A trip to Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue did not not seem possible. Sadly, security concerns prevent personal photos. I had to leave my camera with a nearby attendant. I can only share an interior picture that my son, Josh, took years ago and my exterior pictures. (see photo gallery)
This once vibrant Jewish community has dwindled to just a handful. It is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Had I been traveling by myself or with Jews, I certainly would have tried to attend Shabbat services.
I was honored to meet Sarah Cohen, one of the few remaining Jews in Cochin. Her shop, Sarah’s Hand Embroidery, is located in the historical township of Jew Town.
The nearby Jewish cemetery was locked so I could not find many historical clues. Using the magnification on my camera, I saw Hebrew inscriptions in between the blades of overgrown grass.
For additional information on the Jews of Cochin read The Last Jews of Kerala: The Two Thousand Year History of India’s Forgotten Jewish Community by Edna Fernandes.
For general information on the Jews of India see The Jews of India: A Story of Three Communities by the Israel Museum Jerusalem, This is India, by Shobita Punja, The Jews of India: Their Story, by Rachael Rukmini Israel, and The Jews of India, by Benjamin J. Israel.
Rachael Rukmini Israel, my daughter-in-law, wrote her book, over a decade ago, for a youthful audience while she was attending a New Delhi high school.
Additional books of interest are The Girl from Foreign by, Sadia Shepard and books authored by Esther David.
***Read Bala’s comment below for additional resources.
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Wonderful photos! Thank you Sandy.
Kim, Thanks!
This is interesting, Sandra. However, just a couple of points:
The book by Edna Fernandes has been panned by critics for its many inaccuracies and subjective writing.
The definitive book about the Cochin Jews remains the The Last Jews of Cochin by Dr. Nathan Katz and Ellen Goldberg. And there is also Ruby of Cochin by Dr. Barbara Johnson and Ruby Daniels. An older book A History of the Jews of Cochin by J.B. Sehgal is quite scholarly.
Incidentally, I have your daughter-in-law’s book with me.
You might also find this blog interesting:
http://jewsofcochin.blogspot.com
Regards
Bala Menon
menonb@gmail.com
Hi Bala,
I’m so happy that you found this blog and could provide more resources. I read some of the reviews and realized that Edna’s book was criticized for possible inaccuracies. However, I felt that anyone who considered reading the book would come upon the comments and decide that the book had to be read with a critical eye.
Thanks for drawing attention to 3 other books. All are available on Amazon.The Last Jews of Cochin: Jewish Identity in Hindu India (Studies in Comparative Religion) (1993) is the priciest. A used copy is currently listed at $40. The others are more reasonably priced. Ruby of Cochin (JPS, 2001) is reviewed by Amazon readers while the other two books are not reviewed. The History of the Jews of Cochin was published in 1993.
I found your blog to be filled with interesting information. I especially enjoyed watching the video of the Chant of Ma Navu. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful site. I appreciate it.
My book will be out soon. I describe my trip to Cochin in more detail. In retrospect, I wish that I would have had more time to spend in Jew Town. I was traveling with two non-Jewish teaching colleagues. I was happy that they were willing to visit the synagogue and find the cemetery. Perhaps, one day I will return.