The oldest synagogue of the Bene-Israel Jewish community in India has launched a fundraising effort to prepare a souvenir reference book and a pictorial display of the history and culture of Indian Jewry. Initially planned for March 1982, the project was postponed for lack of funds.
The congregation Gate of Mercy synagogue here celebrated its 85th anniversary last December, according to E.M. Jacob, chairman of the synagogue’s Souvenir and Exhibition Committee, the book “will gladden the hearts of our brethren residing abroad to learn that the Bene-Israel who number today not more than 7,000 out of the huge population of over 700 million in India, play a significant role in the historical and cultural factors of India.” Apart from the history of the synagogue the book and display will contain accounts of cultural, social and religious contributions to India by is ancient Jewish community
The proposed pictorial exhibition will feature photographs of men and women in their native Indian costumes and photographs of most of the synagogues in India and one in Pakistan built by Indian Jews.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
