Jewish Synagogue, Ernakulam

The Jewish Synagogue in Ernakulam is officially called as the Kadavumbhagam Ernakulam Synagogue which is one of India's most historically significant Jewish heritage sites and represents the ancient Malabar Jewish community of Kerala. It was established in 1200 CE, and is the oldest synagogue of the Malabar Jews and has been restored several times on the same site.

It was modeled on the earliest synagogue at Muziris from the ancient times of Mediterranen sea trade with Kerala. It belongs to the Jewish communities who migrated & settled at the southwestern coast of India during the Sangam period when black pepper was a chief commodity being traded for food preservation & other purposes.

Significance

These Malabar Jews were different from the later arriving Sephardic Jews who built the famous Paradesi Synagogue in nearby Mattancherry, and they played an important role in Kerala's ancient spice trade connections with the Mediterranean world.

The synagogue faced a period of decline during the 1950s and 60s, many members immigrated to Israel, and by 1972, it was closed down as there weren't enough men to form a quorum of ten Jewish adults. However, in a remarkable restoration effort, the synagogue was restored and brought back in 2018 after 46 years. 

It's design is described as a replica of the First temple in Jerusalem, with its ten windows symbolizing the Ten Commandments. Today, this nearly 800 year old synagogue stands as a powerful symbol of religious diversity in Kerala.

How To Reach

Ernakulam bus stand is 1.7 KM away from the synagogue and can be reached by taking a local auto or bus from the bus stand.