To
understand the significance of the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, one must take a peek into
the history of the Jews in Kerala.
The
Jews were the kings of the spice trade in Kerala’s Malabar region, commanding a
large slice of the export pie. And then in the 16th century began
their persecution at the hands of the Portugese who sought to control
the trade route to the spice treasure island that was Malabar. As the Arab merchants came into violent conflict with the Portugese, the Jews became caught in the crossfire. By 1500, things had deteriorated to the point where permission was sought from the Portugese king in 1513 to exterminate the Jews in Kerala. Since a place of
worship is a symbol of faith, the first Jewish Synagogue in Kodungallur was
destroyed. The Jews known as Malabari Yehudan fled and Raja Ravi
Varma of Kochi gave them refuge under Dutch protection. This settlement of the
Jews became known as Jew
Town where they built
their synagogue, Paradesi Synagogue in 1568 which still stands as a testament
to the Jewish faith. It takes its name from Paradesi meaning foreigner as the
Jews were not natives of the area that was under Dutch patronage.
The
Paradesi Synagogue reflects its history:
·
It has
the Scrolls of Law
·
It has the
copper plates dating from the 10th century that the Malabar king
inscribed in Tamil granting privilege to Joseph Rabban, the earliest known Jew
in Kochi
The
Paradesi Synagogue reflects its inclusiveness:
· The
complex comprising four buildings and a clock tower shares a common wall with
the Mattancherry Temple
·
Its
chandeliers are Belgian. Gold crowns are gifts from various sources. Its floor
is made of hand painted Chinese tiles and there’s a rug from the famed Haile
Selassie, the last Emperor who ruled Ethiopia when it was a prosperous
land.
As
a beacon of the hospitality of the Kochi
king, it is open to all visitors of all faiths. It still functions as an active
place of worship, the only 1 among the 7 in the area that still do. Even today,
if you visit, you may chance upon a Jew clad in the traditional attire.
Going
There
It’s
in Mattancherry area in Kochi close to Fort Kochi.
Take the ferry as the ferry point is bang next to the beginning of Jew Street.
Tip
Please don't expect entry if you wear off-shoulder, above-knee attire and footwear or if you sport shorts.
Don't try to chat up or take photos of the ticket seller, it's a place of worship not a tourist gawk
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