It is believed that the Jews of Kerala migrated to this place following
the destruction of the second temple of Jerusalem in 72 AD. They settled
mainly in and around Mattancherry in Kochi. This community celebrates
the Passover Festival on first April to commemorate the liberation
of the Jews from Egyptian slavery. The Pentecost festival which follows
the Passover, and the Feast of the Tabernacles are also observed with
much faith. The New Year celebration which falls in September/October
and Hanukka, the ''festival of lights', are other festivals celebrated
by the Jewish community in Kerala.
The Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry, was built in 1568 AD. The synagogue
still has the sacred scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates
which recorded the grants of privilege bequeathed by the Kochi rulers
to the immigrants. The exquisite hand-painted blue Chinese tiles adorning
the floors of the synagogue are without parallel. Not one of the nearly
two hundred year old tiles resembles another. Several finely wrought
gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons
are also on display here.
Chennamangalam was one of the chief Jewish centres settlement in
Kerala. The remains of an Oriental Jewish Synagogue is still there.
In its vicinity lie the ruins of the Vypeenkotta Seminary built by
the Portuguese (16th century) and an ancient Syrian Catholic Church
dating from the13th century.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 10 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 30 km.
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