The renewed synagogue of Kadavumbagam. | Photo credit: Thulasi Kakkat
The Kadavumbagam synagogue, which dates back to 1200 AD and is located in Market Road, will reopen the public on Monday (February 3) after renewal.
The 825 -year -old synagogue, which is said to be the oldest in the Commonwealth, was renewed under the leadership of its managing administrator, Elias Josephai, with most of the work completed by volunteers from several communities.
Rabbi Abraham and Chris Hodges, consul general of the United States in Chennai, during the ‘Great Thanksgiving event’ held at the synagogue on February 2. Photo credit: H. Vibhu
The consul general of the United States in Chennai Chris Hodges was the main guest at a ‘great thanksgiving event’ held at the synagogue on Sunday (February 2). Speaking on the occasion, said synagogue as an example of the notable results that interreligious cooperation could achieve.
When reflecting on the Holocaust, in which it is estimated that six million Jews were tortured and killed by the Nazi regime, commemorated the efforts of the people who risk their lives to save the Jews from the concentration camps.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean and director of Global Social Action at the Simon Wiecenthal Center, a World Jewish Human Rights Organization, said that the growing anti -Semitism and the orientation of synagogues in many parts of the world contrasts with efforts to renew and renew and renew preserve such places of worship, despite the fact that few Jews reside here.
It contrasts in contrast the ‘non-log areas for Jews in many countries with the warm welcome that he and other community members have received from people in Kochi.
Holocaust exposure
Referring to the photographs and information about the holocaust, which will be exhibited in the renewed synagogue for another two weeks, Swami Hariprasad of the Vishnu Mohan Foundation, Chennai, said that he highlighted how the Jewish community recovered after supporting the horrors of Nazi Campos de concentration. He added that the screens were evidence that despite being few in number, the Jews have collective strength, which was essential for lasting peace.
Mr. Josephai spoke about how the Jewish congregation in the synagogue decreased in the 1960s, after the majority of the members of the community emigrated to Israel, which led to its closure in 1972. “The roof and the walls From the synagogue they were damaged in a storm in 1975, requiring the entire structure to be lifted hydraulically. After renewal, the synagogue, who had housed prayer services led by rabbis or lay visitors, will become more active, ”he added.
Mohiniyattom dancer, Brigitte Chataignier, a French citizen who settled in India, spoke about the cultural wealth and relative tranquility of India, especially at a time when violence was rampant in various parts of the world.
The event was attended by members of the Jewish community of various parts of Ernakulam, along with a team of Erode volunteers.
Published – February 3, 2025 12:44 am isth
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