Jewish Synagogue Kochi

Jewish Synagogue Kochi- Information for Tourists

Entry Timings- 10 AM to 12 noon | 3 PM to 5 PM

Weekly Holidays - Fridays, Saturdays & Jewish holidays

Suitable for - All Age Groups

Tourist Instruction- Visitors are expected to enter the Synagogue barefoot.

What makes Jewish Synagogue Kochi Unique?

Jewish Synagogue Kochi or The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest in the Commonwealth of Nations. The synagogue is located in one quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town. The Paradesi Synagogue has the Scrolls of the Law, several gold crowns received as gifts, many Belgian glass chandeliers, and a brass-railed pulpit.

The synagogue's interior features hand-painted blue willow-patterned floor tiles imported from Canton, China, in the 18th century. Each tile is unique, contributing to the synagogue's distinctive aesthetic. The main hall is adorned with 19th-century glass chandeliers imported from Belgium, adding to the grandeur of the synagogue's interior.

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It also houses the copper plates of privileges given to Joseph Rabban, the earliest known Cochin Jew. The plates date back to the 10th century and have writings in Tamil on both of them, which are believed to have been put there on the directions of the then ruler of the Malabar Coast.

The floor of the synagogue is composed of hundreds of 18th-century Chinese hand-painted porcelain tiles, all of which are unique. There is also an oriental rug, a gift from Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian Emperor. The most visible part of the synagogue is the 18th-century clock tower, which, along with other parts of the complex, underwent repair work between 1998 and 1999.

The synagogue is famous for its 18th-century clock tower, built in 1761. Each side of the tower displays a clock face in a different language—Hebrew, Malayalam, and Roman numerals—symbolizing cultural inclusivity.

Why is Jewish Synagogue Kochi known as Paradesi Synagogue?

Paradesi is a word used in several Indian languages and the literal meaning of the term is "foreigners". This word is applied to the synagogue because it was historically used by "White Jews", a mixture of Jews from Cranganore, the Middle East, and European exiles.

Jewish Synagogue Kochi or The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The synagogue is located in one quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town. The Paradesi Synagogue has the Scrolls of the Law, several gold crowns received as gifts, many Belgian glass chandeliers, and a brass-railed pulpit.

Where is Jewish Synagogue in Kochi located?

Situated in the historic area known as Jew Town in Mattancherry, Kochi, the synagogue stands adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities in the region.

The Paradesi Synagogue stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of cultural and religious diversity in Kerala, highlighting the longstanding presence and contributions of the Jewish community in the region.

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Near the synagogue is a Jewish cemetery, dating back centuries, with unique tombstones inscribed in Hebrew, Malayalam, and other languages, reflecting the multicultural history of the community.

Synagogue as a tourist attraction- UNESCO

Today, the synagogue is a prominent tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its historical significance, architectural beauty, and the harmonious blend of Jewish and Keralite traditions.

The Paradesi Synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace area are part of a UNESCO "tentative list" for World Heritage Site status due to their cultural and historical significance.

Due to the dwindling Jewish population in Kochi, regular religious services are rare and are now conducted only on significant occasions, attended by local Jews and visitors.

The synagogue is a must-visit destination for global travelers interested in Jewish heritage, Indian history, and cultural fusion, and has been featured in numerous travel documentaries and articles.

The synagogue has undergone several restorations, most notably in 1968 during its 400th-anniversary celebrations, when it was rededicated and rejuvenated.