Magen David Synagogue — Attraction in Mumbai

Built in 1864, Magen David Synagogue (Jewish Temple) is an epitome of perseverance, communal bond and courage to begin a new life. Persecuted by Dawud Pasha, Ottoman governor of Baghdad, Bhagdadi Jewish families fled their homeland and took shelters in various countries. Many came to India (They had trade connections with India going on since Ancient Roman Empire). Built by David Sassoon (Many other structures in Mumbai and Pune including Sassoon Docs of Mumbai and Sassoon Hospital in Pune are built by the same family) at Byculla, Mumbai, this Synagogue today reminds the Jewish Communities to steer ahead of their struggles and start everyday with courage, together. For a curious mind, a Jewish temple built in a Victorian style architecture situated among the Muslim, Parsi and Christian community at Byculla, will break many barriers of prejudices and biases that we have towards a religion and it's people. Also visit the Christ Church (built in 1815) that is just stone throw away from...

Date of visit: 17th March 2018

Erected in 1864, the synagogue was constructed by David Sassoon in Victorian style for the growing population of Baghdadi Jews who had fled from persecution by the governor of Baghdad Dawud Pasha.

Sassoon's grandson Jacob, in 1884, built the Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue in Kala Ghoda which still exists.

In 1940s, 30000 Jews were registered in Bombay alone. In 1948 after the creation of Israel, majority of them migrated there. As of 2017, only 5000 Jews live in Mumbai.

Note: For mobile photography, I had to pay Rs. 500 to the caretaker, for which I duly...

Tucked away in the bustling lanes of Canning Street, the Maghen David Synagogue feels like a place you'd wanna keep a secret.

You walk down a noisy street, and suddenly, there it is this huge, quiet, beautiful building that seems out of place, but in the best way. The stained glass windows are stunning, and inside, it’s super peaceful, with high ceilings and gorgeous old chandeliers. It’s not packed with tourists, which makes it even better.

Even though you are allowed only around 10 minutes to admire it's decadence, it is worth it to visit once and bask...