Magen David Synagogue (Byculla)

Magen David Synagogue

Magen David Synagogue end of the 19th century
Basic information
Location 340, Sir J. J. Road Byculla, Mumbai
 India
Affiliation Orthodox Judaism
Rite Sephardi
Status Active
Leadership Mr. Solomon Sopher
Website http://www.jacobsassoon.com/synagogues/magen-david-synagogue
Architectural description
Architectural type Synagogue
Architectural style Victorian [1]
Completed 1864
Specifications
Direction of façade West
Capacity Over 200
Minaret(s) 1 Clock Tower
Materials Concrete, Steel, Glass

Magen David Synagogue is an Orthodox Sephardi synagogue located in Byculla, India.

History

Erected in 1864, the synagogue was constructed by David Sassoon in Victorian style for the growing population of Baghdadi Jews who had fled from persecution by the governor and Wali of Baghdad, the extortioner Daud Pasha.[1] By 1910, the Jewish community in the neighbourhood of Byculla had increased to the extent that the synagogue could no longer service all the devotees and the synagogue was extended with the help of Jacob, David Sassoon's grandson.[2]

Legacy

The synagogue is one of the largest in Asia outside of Israel.

Within the extensive grounds of the Synagogue there are two Jewish Schools which are operated by the Sir Jacob Sassoon High School Trust and the E.E.E. Sassoon High School Trust, in which Jewish children were originally educated. Over time most of the Bagdadi Jews moved to the more affluent Colaba area or abroad to Israel, Australia, Britain and Canada. With the scarcity of Jewish students, the Schools have opened to all communities and currently provide for the population in the vicinity, which is 98% Muslim.[3]

In 2011, for the celebration of the 150th anniversary, the Synagogue was restored.[2][4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Manasseh, Rachel. "The Baghdadi Synagogues in Bombay and Poona". Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  2. 1 2 Nair, Manoj R. (Dec 21, 2011). "Restored Mumbai synagogue celebrates 150 years of peace". DNA. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Magen David Synagogue". Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  4. ↑ Ginsburg, Aimee (Dec 6, 2010). "Lighting The Menorah". Retrieved November 11, 2012.

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