>Mupper-san at 04:58, 25 October 2021

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{{Short description|Bharatpedia list article}}
Jews started settling in [[Mumbai]] (then Bombay) and other coastal towns of [[Maharashtra]] during the 18th century, due to its economic opportunities.<ref>Weil, Shalva. ''India's Jewish Heritage: Ritual, Art and Life-Cycle.'' Mumbai: Marg Publications. 2009 [first published in 2002; 3rd edn.].</ref> The Jewish community of Bombay consisted of the remnants of three distinct communities: the [[Bene Israel]]i Jews of [[Konkan]], the [[Baghdadi Jews]] of [[Iraq]], and the [[Cochin Jews]] of [[Malabar region|Malabar]].<ref>{{harvnb|The Jewish Traveler|p=69|Ref=TheJewishTraveler}}</ref> Presently there are about 10 active synagogues in [[Maharashtra]] out of which 9 are in [[Mumbai]]<ref>{{cite web |title=9 Synagogues of Mumbai |url=https://www.holidify.com/collections/synagogues-in-mumbai |website=Holidify |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref> and 1 is in [[Pune]].<ref name="Pune Mirror"/> Apart from this there are a couple of prayer hall and about 11 closed synagogues.

==List of Synagogues in Maharashtra==
There are a total of 10 active synagogues in Maharashtra. Six of these are located in downtown Mumbai. There are three on the outskirts of Mumbai, including one each in Thane, Alibaug and Panvel. [[Pune]] also houses one active synagogue.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name
! Location
! Photo
! Brief Description
|-
| [[Knesset Eliyahoo| Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue]]
| Fort Area, [[Mumbai]]
| [[File:Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue 1.jpg|thumb|Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue]]
| Located at the heart of Mumbai, Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue with its bright blue and white exterior is popularly known as the blus synagogue. It was constructed in 1884 and is a Bagdadi Jew Synagogue.<ref name="Bagdadi">{{cite web |title=Baghdadian Synagogues in Mumbai (Bombay) & Poona (Pune) |url=http://www.midrash.org/article/historical/baghdadian-synagogues-in-india/2 |website=Midrash Ben Ish Hai |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Deodhar |first1=Neerja |title=Mumbai's iconic 'blue' Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue open to public, after year-long restoration |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/mumbais-iconic-blue-knesset-eliyahoo-synagogue-open-to-public-after-year-long-restoration-6053951.html |accessdate=31 March 2020 |publisher=First Post |date=14 February 2019}}</ref> The interiors are well laid out with light filtering through the stained glass windows. Brass chandeliers and ornamentation adds to the beauty of the interiors.
|-
| [[Gate of Mercy Synagogue|Shaar Harahamim Synagogue]]
| Masjid Bhandar, [[Mumbai]]
| [[File:Shaar Harahamin Synagogue, Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Shaar Harahamim Synagogue]]
| Shaar Harahamim literally means "Gateway of Mercy." Built in 1796 it is the oldest synagogue in [[Mumbai]]. It is also known as the Old Synagogue. It belongs to the [[Bene Israel]] group.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaar Harahamim Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/57-shaar-harahamim-synagogue |website=Indian Jewsih Heritage Centre |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref> It is located in a very congested area near the [[Masjid railway station]].
|-
|Share Rason Synagogue
|Israel Moholla, [[Mumbai]]
|[[File:Shaare Rason Synagogue, Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Shaare Rason Synagogue]]
|Share Rason literally meaning the "Gateway of Desire" is the second oldest Synagogue of Mumbai and belongs to the [[Bene Israel]] community. This synagogue was created as a conflict in the management of the Shaar Harhamim Synagogue. The Share Rason came up in the nearby area and came to be known as the "New Synagogue." The older Shaar Harhamim Synagogue came to be known as "Old Synagogue."<ref>{{cite web |title=Share Raso Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/47-shaar-rason-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Center |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|[[Magen David Synagogue (Byculla)|Magen David David]]
|Byculla, [[Mumbai]]
|[[File:Magen David Synagogue, Byculla, Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Magen David Synagogue]]
|A Baghdadi Synagogue built by David Sassoon in 1861.<ref name="Bagdadi"/> Following the [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] style of architecture the synagogue has a high steeple fitted with a clock.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Magen David Synagogue |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/magen-david-synagogue |accessdate=31 March 2020 |issue=Atlas Obscura}}</ref> The interior of the synagogue is a double-height sanctuary with women's gallery wrapping around three sides of the upper floor. In the 2010s the exterior and interior of the Magen David Synagogue have been painted blue and white.<ref>{{cite web |title=Magen David Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/58-magen-david-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|Magen Hasidim Synagogue
|Byculla, [[Mumbai]]
|[[File:Magen Hassidim Synagogue, outside.jpg|thumb|Magen Hassidim Synagogue]]
|Magen Hasidin, literally meaning the Shield of the Pious, is the largest [[Bene Israel]] synagogue in Mumbai. The original synagogue started in 1904 but was shifted to the larger present location in 1931. The interiors are more lively with a decorative wooden central platform. The women's gallery is on the first floor balcony. Decorative chandeliers lit up the interior with the large windows allowing the natural light to filter in.<ref>{{cite web |title=Magen Hassidim Synagogue |url=http://www.indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/48-magen-hassidim-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|Tephereth Israel Synagogue
|Jacob Circle, [[Mumbai]]
|[[File:Tiphearth Israel Synagogue, Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Tiphearth Israel Synagogue]]
|Tephereth Israel or Tifereth Israel literally means Glory of Israel. It is the third [[Bene Israel]] Synagogue in [[Mumbai]]. It started in 1896 and moved to the present location in 1924. The building had undergone several extensions and modifications ever since. The ladies gallery lies on the northern side of the synagogue. Hanging brass and glass lanterns, ceiling fans, decorative metal window grilles and wall scones are part of the grand interior.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tephereth Israel Synagogue |url=http://www.indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/60-tiphereth-israel-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|Shaar Hashamaim Synagogue
|Thane, [[Mumbai]]
|
|Shaar Hashamaim, literally meaning Gateway of Heaven, is an active synagogue in the [[Thane]] region of [[Mumbai]]. It dates back to 1879 and belongs to the [[Bene Israel]] Jews.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fernandes |first1=Freny |title=137-yr-old synagogue lets us pass through the gates of history |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/137-yr-old-synagogue-lets-us-pass-through-the-gates-of-history/articleshow/59343209.cms |accessdate=31 March 2020 |work=Times of India |date=28 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shaar Hashamaim Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/64-shaar-hashamaim-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|Beth El Synagogue
|Panvel, [[Mumbai]]
|
|Beth El. literally meaning the House of God, is an active synagogue in the [[Panvel]] area. It is located just north of the [[Raigad District]] and the synagogue can be considered as the oldest of the Raigad Synagogues. It dates back to 1849 and belongs to the [[Bene Israel]] Jews.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beth El Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/65-beth-el-panvel-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|Magen Aboth Synagogue
|Alibaug, [[Mumbai]]
|
|Magen Aboth, literally meaning Defender of the Brothers, in [[Alibaug]] is the only active synagogue in [[Raigad District]]. The synagogue dates back to 1910 and belongs to the [[Bene Israel]] Jews. It is a baroque style pink building with white borders.<ref>{{cite web |title=Magen Aboth Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/66-magen-aboth-synagogue |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|Ohel David Synagogue
|[[Pune]]
|[[File:Ohel David Synagogue.jpg|thumb|Ohel David Synagogue]]
|Ohel David (literally meaning The Tent of David) is a prominent landmark of [[Pune]]. It is known as Lal Deval or Lal Deul (both mean red temple). It dates back to 1867 and was funded by [[David Sassoon (treasurer)|David Sassoon]] and belongs to the [[Baghdadi Jews]]. The synagogue follows a distinct English Gothic style architecture. The complex houses the mausoleum of David Sassoon <ref name="Pune Mirror">{{cite news |last1=Sohoni |first1=Pushkar |title=The Tale of the two Synagogues |url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/unwind/the-tale-of-the-two-synagogues/articleshow/59599614.cms |accessdate=30 March 2020 |publisher=Pune Mirror |date=15 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ohel David Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/56-ohel-david-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>
|}

==Jewish Prayer Halls in Maharashtra==
Apart from the synagogues [[Mumbai]] also houses two active Jewish prayer halls
*Kurla Prayer Hall, [[Kurla]], [[Mumbai]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Kurla Prayer Hall |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/63-kurla-prayer-hall |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Etz Haeem Prayer Hall, Balu Changu Patil Marg, [[Mumbai]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Etz Haeem Prayer Hall |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/61-etz-haeem-prayer-hall |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>

==List of closed Synagogues of Maharashtra==
{{Commons category|Synagogues in Maharashtra}}
There are about 10 closed Synagogue in Maharastra. 8 of these are located in [[Raigad District]], one each in [[Mumbai]] and [[Pune]].
* Ambepur Synagogue, [[Raigad District]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Ambepur Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/72-ambepur-synagogue |website=Indian Jews Heritage Center |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
* Beth El Ashtami Synagogue, Ashtami Village, [[Raigad District]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Beth El Ashtami Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/76-maharashtra-beth-el-ashtami-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Beth El Rewdanda Synagogue, Rewdanda Village, [[Raigad District]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Beth El Rewdanda Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/67-maharashtra-beth-el-rewdanda-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Beth Ha-Elohim Synagogue, [[Raigad District]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Beth Haelohim Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/70-beth-haelohim-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Hessed El Synagogue, Poyand, [[Raigad District]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Hessed El Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/69-hessed-el-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Cenre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Keneseth Israel Synagogue, Talley Ghosaley, [[Raigad District]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Keneseth Israel Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/68-kenesseth-israel-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Orle Israel Synagogue, Nandgoan Mura, [[Raigad District]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Orle Israel Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/74-orle-israel-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Cenre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Shaar Hathephilah Synagogue, Mhasla, [[Raigad District]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaar Hathephilah Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/75-shaar-hathephilah-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Rodef Shalom Synagogue, Byculla, [[Mumbai]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Rodef Shalom Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/62-rodef-shalom-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref>
*Succath Shelomo Synagogue, [[Pune]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Succath Shelomo Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/46-succath-shelomo-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=30 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="Pune Mirror"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Succath Shelomo Synagogue |url=http://indianjews.org/en/research/jewish-sites-in-india/46-succath-shelomo-synagogue |website=Indian Jewish Heritage Centre |accessdate=31 March 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mahrashtra}}
[[Category:Lists of buildings and structures in Maharashtra|synagogues]]
[[Category:Lists of synagogues in India]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures in Maharashtra|synagogues]]

List of synagogues in Maharashtra - Revision history

>Mupper-san at 04:58, 25 October 2021