Just 10 Jews in Kerala and a new Rabbi for the synagogue

Only ten Jews remain in Kerala now, with the rest of the community having left to Israel since its formation. There are 5 families settled in Kerala today, all in Kochi. Sarah Cohen who is nearing 90 years of age is the oldest among them.

In Kochi there are now 6 ladies and 4 men in the Jewish community. The Jews in Kochi wait for any Jews from outside to visit Kerala so that Sabbath can be arranged in the synagogue. A total of 10 men is required to be present during Sabbath. The synagogue of the Jews in Kochi is the Paradesi Synagogue built by the Jew Community in Kochin. The synagogue is over 440 years old and is the oldest in the Commonwealth. It is also known by the name Mattancherry Synagogue.

The Paradesi Synagogue used to have 3 classes of members- the White Jews, Black Jews and the Meshuchrarim. The Meshuchrarim were a class of freed slaves and the Black Jews are ‘believed’ to be the descendants of the slave community in Malabar. White Jews are of European or Baghdadian descent.

The Black Jews are still only allowed to mingle with the White Jews when their presence is required at the synagogue to complete the requisite attendance of 10 men. They are 8 in total and live away from the town.

The synagogue receives visitors from Sunday through Thursday. It has received a new Rabbi now, who has been sent from abroad to take up a permanent position in the synagogue and conduct their prayers.

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