Jewish Heritage tour of India, Cochin

Jewish Heritage Tour of India

India has a legacy of three distinct ancient Jewish groups: the Bene Israel, the Cochin Jews, also called the Malabar Jews, and the White Jews from Europe. Each group practiced important elements of Judaism and had active synagogues. The Sephardic rites predominate among Indian Jews. More recent Jewish immigration to India includes the Baghdadi Jews, Bnei Menashe, and Bene Ephraim.

Jewish merchants from Europe traveled to India in the medieval period for purposes of trade, but it is not clear whether they formed permanent settlements in south Asia. Our first reliable evidence of Jews living in India comes from the early 11th century. It is certain that the first Jewish settlements were centered along the western coast. Abraham ibn Daud's 12th century reference to Jews of India is unfortunately vague and we do not have further references to Indian Jews until several centuries later.

Migrations in the 16th and 17th centuries created important settlements of Jews from Persia, Afghanistan and Characin (Central Asia) in northern India and Kashmir. By the late 18th century, Bombay became the largest Jewish community in India. Bene Israel Jews lived in Bombay, as did Iraqi and Persian Jews.

India is perhaps one of the only country in the world where there has never been any ant-Semitic sentiments expressed by the local communities. Jews continue to live and prosper in India, though with a population of only 6,000.

Starting in Bombay, we will visit all major centers of Judaism in India, visit Synagogues and meet Jewish leaders. We will observe their unique customs and traditions and see historic sites important to Judaism.

DAY 01: ARRIVE MUMBAI (EARLIER CALLED AS BOMBAY)
Our Representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Later optional visit to the Knesseth Eliahod Synagogue (also known as Fort Jewish Synagogue), established in 1884 by Mr. Jacob Sasson in memory of his father. Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 02: MUMBAI
Morning leave for the sightseeing tour of Bombay city visiting Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Victoria Terminus (Shivaji Terminus), Flora Fountain, National Gallery of Modern Art, Chowpatty Beach etc. Later visit Gate of Mercy Synagogue or Juni Masjid established 1796. The street on which the Synagogue stands was named Samaji Street in His Honor and is at present known as Samuel street. The Synagogue celebrated its centenary in the year 1896 and then renamed Shaar-Ha-Rahamim. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 03: MUMBAI - PUNE (TRAIN)
Morning transfer to the Railway-station to connect train # 1007 Deccan Express dep. at 07:10 hrs arrive Pune at 11:10 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Later city tour of Pune, now an important commercial city but once the capital of the Maratha and the Pehwas Empires. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 04: PUNE - AHMEDABAD (TRAIN)
Morning visit Ohel David Synagogue, established in 1867, built by the Sasoon family. Also visit Succath Shelmo Synagogue established in 1921, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1919. Later transfer to the Railway-station to connect train # 1050, Ahmedabad Exp, dep at 1950 hrs. Overnight on board.

DAY 05: AHMEDABAD
Arrive Ahmedabad at 0745 hrs. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Free time to explore the city by your own. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 06: AHMEDABAD
Morning city tour of Ahmedabad, founded in 1411 by Ahmed Shah. By the year 1600 AD Ahmedabad was considered to be the finest city in India until Delhi arose. Later visit Magen Abraham Synagogue established in 1933 by Dr. Solomon. Overnight stau at Hotel.

DAY 07: AHMEDABAD - DELHI
Morning transfer to the Airport to connect flight 9W 702 dep. at 08:10 hrs arrive Delhi at 09:35 hrs. On arrival transfer to the Hotel. Rest of the day free to enjoy the facilities available at the hotel or shopping. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 08: DELHI
Morning leave for the tour of Old and New Delhi. Afternoon visit the Judah Hyam Hall established in 1956 in response to the small Delhi Jewish Community who used to hold prayers in their residents. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 09: DELHI - AGRA
Morning drive to Agra (203 kms / 4 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel. Later visit Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal, in 1632. Later proceed to Agra Fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. Overnight in Hotel.

(Taj remains closed on Fridays)

DAY 10: AGRA - DELHI - KOLKATA
Morning drive back to Delhi. On arrival transfer to the Airport to connect flight IC 264 dep. at 17:00 hrs arrive Calcutta at 18:55 hrs. On arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 11: KOLKATA
Morning visit Neveh Shalome Synagogue established in 1825, the first Synagogue in Calcutta and rebuilt in 1911. Also visit Magen David Synagogue, built by Mr. Elias David Joseph Esra in memory of his father, Mr. David Joseph Ezra who died in 1882. This is the largest Synagogue in the east. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 12: KOLKATA - CHENNAI
Morning leave for the tour of Calcutta. Visit the Eden Gardens, New Secretariat, High Court, Jain Temple, Chowringhee Museum, Mother Theresa's Convent, New Market, Victoria Memorial and the Race Course. Evening transfer to the Airport to connect flight IC 765 dep. at 18:10 hrs arrive Chennai at 20:15 hrs. On arrival transfer to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.

DAY 13: CHENNAI - OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO CHENNAI
Morning leave for the city tour of Chennai visiting Fort St. George and St. Mary's Church built by the British East India Company in 1653. A Church within the Fort was consecrated in 1680. Visit also the High Court, the San Thome Cathedral and the Marina Beach. Evening transfer to railway station to connect train #2623 Trivandrum Mail dep. 20:00 hrs. Overnight on board.

DAY 14: CHENNAI - OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO COCHIN
Arrive Cochin at 06:35 hrs. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later visit Jew Town and the Pardesi Synagogue. This Synagogue was built by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, Ephrahim Sala and Joseph Levi. It stands on the grounds of the Maharaja of Cochin's residence. It is the first Synagogue which came into existence in the commonwealth and is one of the oldest in the world. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 15: COCHIN - OUT
Morning city tour of Cochin visiting the Cochin Harbour and Mattancherry Fishing Nets. Evening transfer to Airport to connect flight for onward destination.

This is private tour customized for each client. Prices on request

Index

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