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JEWISH Mumbai

Jewish city story of Mumbai

Introduction to Jewish Mumbai

Mumbai is a bustling metropolis with a rich and diverse history, including the contributions of its Jewish community. Jews first settled in Mumbai over 500 years ago, and today there are still many sites of religious and cultural importance to visit. From exploring the Jewish Quarter to learning about famous figures who lived or died in the city, there is much to discover on a journey through Jewish Mumbai. Join us as we explore this vibrant culture, uncovering centuries-old stories that have shaped this remarkable city.

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THE BEST OF Mumbai

Kosher Travel

India Kosher Travel

and 3 other Tours
Guides

Rahel Musleah

and 2 other Guides
Hotels

The Trident, Nariman point

and 1 other Hotels
Restaurants

Boulevard

and 1 other Restaurants

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אתרים מומלצים Sites to see

Sites

Knesset Eliyahu

Knesset Eliyahu is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue located in downtown Mumbai, India. It is the city's second oldest Sephardic synagogue. It was established in 1884 by Jacob Elias Sassoon, son of Eliyahoo David Sassoon and grandson of David Sassoon; the latter had immigrated from Baghdad to India in 1832 due to persecution and had settled in Mumbai, then known as Bombay. It is maintained by the Jacob Sassoon Trust. The building's significance is attributed to its Jewish traditions as well as Indian and English colonial influences. It was designed by the British architectural firm Gostling & Morris of Bombay. The basement part of the edifice is built in stone masonry and the superstructure is built in brick masonry. The exterior facade of the synagogue is painted turquoise. The sanctuary within the interior of the building is in western direction, towards Jerusalem. Photo Attribution: World Monuments Fund  
Sites

Maguen David Synagogue

The "Magen David" Synagogue in Byculla, Bombay was built in 1861 by David Sassoon, the first Baghdadi Synagogue in the city. The exterior has a Renaissance influence with a four-storey Clock Tower, and the interior features the Tevah and Hechal. The Synagogue's grounds are rented out for functions and two Jewish schools associated with it are open to all communities in the area.
Sites

David Sassoon Library and Reading Room

The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room is a historic public library located in Mumbai, India. It was founded in 1870 by Sir Jacob Sassoon in memory of his father, David Sassoon, a prominent Baghdadi Jewish philanthropist.

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Tours of Mumbai

Kosher Travel

India Kosher Travel

This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into India's rich and diverse Jewish history, dating back over two thousand years. Explore the historic synagogues and vibrant Jewish communities of Mumbai and Cochin, where you can witness the blending of Jewish and Indian cultures. Take a relaxing houseboat cruise in Kumarakom and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of this region. In Cochin, don't miss the chance to witness a Kathakali Dance show, a traditional Indian dance form known for its intricate facial expressions and hand gestures. Finally, experience the bustling streets of Delhi from a different perspective with a thrilling rickshaw ride through the city. This tour is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jewish history, culture, and the fusion of different civilizations.
Tours

Jewish Tour of the Villages

Visit the villages along the coast of Mumbai where, according to Bene Israel tradition, seven couples were shipwrecked over 2,000 years ago. Depart by a speed boat / ferry to visit the villages along the coast of Mumbai where, according to Bene Israel tradition, seven couples were shipwrecked over 2,000 years ago. Explore the original landing site and monument at Navgaon. Visit the Magen Aboth Synagogue and the Beth El Synagogue. Enjoy a visit to a Jewish home.
Tours

Hidden Jewels and Offbeat Tour of Mumbai

This tour will give an intimate understanding of how Mumbai has developed from a small fishing village to a major city in the past centuries. Learn about the fishermen, the original inhabitants of Mumbai, by visiting a local fishing village and the Sassoon Dock, a wholesale fish market. Walk through a wholesale vegetable and fruit market. Witness the amazing “lunch box” system and watch the dabawallas in action. At Banganga Tank, you will see how the city looked a century ago. Enjoy a visit to a home. Visit a Hindu temple, where you will see a religious ceremony.
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מסעדות בסגנון יהודי JEWISH STYLE RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Boulevard

Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a brunch, tea, or midnight snack, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has got you covered! Check out their exclusive cafe in Vile Parle and relish a wide range of scrumptious treats and delights. Choose from Indian, Asian or Continental menus - a la carte or buffet. Just know that our chefs at our Vile Parle Restaurant, are ready to delight you with the fare they turn out for your dining pleasure.
Restaurants

Falafels

Falafel is an ancient dish that has been popular in Egypt and now the rest of the Middle East. The history of falafel goes back to the days of the pharaohs. The name most likely devise from the Arabic word for spicy, Mefelfel. The Copts, an Egyptian Christian sect, also claim to have invented the ta’amia, the fava-bean fritter that is parent to the falafel. It is believed that falafels were invented in Alexandria. Since Alexandria is a port, sailors from all over took the delicious little patties home, and eventually falafel became popular fasts food all over the Middle East. Accordingly, Middle Eastern Jews overwhelmingly favored chickpeas solo in their falafels. An early Middle Eastern fast food, falafel was commonly sold wrapped in paper, but not served in the familiar pita sandwich. Beginning in the 1950s, Yemenite immigrants in Israel took up making falafel to earn a livehood, utilizing the chickpea version common in the Levant and transformed this ancient treat into the Israeli national street food. It’s hard to come by authentic, good quality, healthy Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine. Falafel’s not only pioneered the segment but remains the leader even today! From an array of delicious falafels and yummy hummus platters, to healthy wraps, and salads to powerhouse meal boxes, Falafel’s has slightly tempered all of these to suit the Indian palate, while retaining all the original flavours. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian fares come in a wide variety of flavours that will leave you spoilt for choice. All dishes at Falafel’s are priced sparingly so that healthy food is always available to you without burning a hole in your pocket.The focus remains on good food and quick service so that you never have to wait long for your meal. One of the fastest growing quick service meal chains in the country, Falafel’s is the nourishing answer to all your food cravings!

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מדריכים בעיר CITY GUIDES

Guides

Rahel Musleah

India is a vast country of dramatic contrasts, extraordinary cultural richness, and religious diversity. Any visitor to India can choose from a wide array of tours. What distinguishes ours is its "insider's perspective." I was born in Calcutta to a family with Baghdadi roots; I live in the United States today and speak widely about the Indian Jewish communities--always adding music wherever I go. My tour partner, Joshua Shapurkar, is a member of the Bene Israel community of Bombay and has been leading general and Jewish tours for twenty-five years. Together we have an intimate knowledge of the Indian Jewish communities and close relationships with its members. You, too, will be treated as part of our broader family. You will meet and interact with community members, enjoy local hospitality, experience India's magnificent cultural tapestry, and enjoy its rare Jewish treasures. We will attend Shabbat services together in Bombay and Calcutta. I will lead services in the Baghdadi-Indian tradition in the Maghen David Synagogue, where my father was rabbi, and share my memories with you as we walk together through streets and bazaars. Our accommodations are deluxe--and you won't have to worry about meals or transportation in India: almost everything is included. Please join us on this unforgettable adventure!
Guides

Joshua Shapurkar

Joshua Shapurkar is a native of Mumbai and a member of the Bene Israel community. He has been a professional guide for more than 30 years. Full of knowledge and warmth, he has a special way of leading a group and sharing information. His passion for his country and his community shines through. Joshua's attention to detail and love for his Jewish heritage bring to life the history of the Jewish people of India. During his career as a guide he has guided and managed important delegations for JFNA, AJC and AJDC.
Guides

Haanna Shapurkar

A member of the local Jewish Community of Mumbai, Hanna Shapurkar has been a licensed tour Guide for more than twenty years. Engaging and Knowledgeable and delightful to be with, Hanna is full of insights into the Jewish History of Mumbai and her sense of humor makes the tour fun.
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קראו עוד בלוגים וספרים אלקטרוניים READ MORE BLOGS AND EBOOKS

Hotels in Mumbai

Hotels

The Trident, Nariman point

Nestled in the heart of vibrant and bustling Mumbai lies the hotel Trident, Nariman Point. Soaring 35 storeys high, it offers panoramic views of Marine Drive or the Queen's Necklace, as the beautiful promenade is lovingly called. An iconic Mumbai landmark, featuring some of the best accommodations in the city, this is the luxury hotel address to be seen at.
Hotels

The Taj Mahal Palace

The Taj Mahal Palace opened in Mumbai, then Bombay, in 1903, giving birth to the country’s first harbour landmark. The recently trademarked flagship hotel overlooks the majestic Gateway of India. This legendary 5 star hotel in Mumbai has played host to kings, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe, and is acknowledged as a world leader in hospitality.
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#JEWISHMUMBAI

#jewishmumbai

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Sep 12

Open
Speaking of “Chasing Challah in Mumbai,” another one in the series that is archived in the Museum of Jewish People’s library archives in Tel Aviv, Israel. Read the story on my site. Many challah recipes for Rosh Hashanah are on my site. Even one Indian inspired. Link in profile. 📷©ShulieMadnick (Nikon)

Speaking of “Chasing Challah in Mumbai,” another one in the series that is archived in the Museum of Jewish People’s library archives in Tel Aviv, Israel. Read the story on my site. Many challah recipes for Rosh Hashanah are on my site. Even one Indian inspired. Link in profile. 📷©ShulieMadnick (Nikon) ...

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Sep 5

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How A Mumbai Cook Prepares For Rosh HaShanah story is now published on my site. Link in profile. Watch the video in the article. I am curating all High Holidays articles and recipes I have published in various newspapers and magazines over the years in one space on my site. Stay tuned for more as we approach the Jewish New Year on September 18. Copyright ©️ShulieMadnick (Nikon) Ah & going back to no crop format.

How A Mumbai Cook Prepares For Rosh HaShanah story is now published on my site. Link in profile. Watch the video in the article. I am curating all High Holidays articles and recipes I have published in various newspapers and magazines over the years in one space on my site. Stay tuned for more as we approach the Jewish New Year on September 18. Copyright ©️ShulieMadnick (Nikon) Ah & going back to no crop format. ...

61 1

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Feb 7

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Halwa (AKA Indian malabi/milk pudding). This time I made it with coconut milk (the original version). We flavor it with cardamon (m), not rose water. Next time I will thicken it with chik (wheat starch). I added natural beta carotene based food coloring. Ah & churned it with an old hand mixer for the first time instead of stirring with a large spoon by hand. It creates a bit of a mess but easier though it doesn't shorten the churning time. I didn't add blanched and sliced thin pistachios and almonds due to tree-nut allergies. Need to cool down and refrigerate. We cut it into diamonds and serve..We usually make it for Rosh HaShanah, but Sagie is here, and before he heads back, I made this. It's his favorite, and he hadn't had it in years. However, he had malabi in Israel. BTW, the milk halwa recipe is on my site, but FYI, it's not an easy recipe. (iPhone)

Halwa (AKA Indian malabi/milk pudding). This time I made it with coconut milk (the original version). We flavor it with cardamon (m), not rose water. Next time I will thicken it with chik (wheat starch). I added natural beta carotene based food coloring. Ah & churned it with an old hand mixer for the first time instead of stirring with a large spoon by hand. It creates a bit of a mess but easier though it doesn`t shorten the churning time. I didn`t add blanched and sliced thin pistachios and almonds due to tree-nut allergies. Need to cool down and refrigerate. We cut it into diamonds and serve..We usually make it for Rosh HaShanah, but Sagie is here, and before he heads back, I made this. It`s his favorite, and he hadn`t had it in years. However, he had malabi in Israel. BTW, the milk halwa recipe is on my site, but FYI, it`s not an easy recipe. (iPhone) ...

61 12

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Jun 5

Open
Say hello to Aarishaa! Tomorrow (Sunday) Aarishaa will take over our stories to give us a glimpse for her life as a Jewish teenager in Mumbai! Check it out! aarishaa___1105 #jewishmumbai

Say hello to Aarishaa!
Tomorrow (Sunday) Aarishaa will take over our stories to give us a glimpse for her life as a Jewish teenager in Mumbai! Check it out!
aarishaa___1105 #jewishmumbai ...

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Mar 24

Open
This is the craziest thing. I just discovered that my article “Chasing Challah in Mumbai” was translated to Yiddish in 2017. It might be a global first. Lol. Who would have imagined an article by this Indian Israeli Jewess would be translated to Yiddish (Yiddish is written with the Hebrew alphabet). Next, someone needs to translate it to Ladino, Hebrew, Marathi & Hindi.

This is the craziest thing. I just discovered that my article “Chasing Challah in Mumbai” was translated to Yiddish in 2017. It might be a global first. Lol. Who would have imagined an article by this Indian Israeli Jewess would be translated to Yiddish (Yiddish is written with the Hebrew alphabet). Next, someone needs to translate it to Ladino, Hebrew, Marathi & Hindi. ...

21 1

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Nov 4

Open
Was #honoured by the #jewishheritage #jewishcommunity #jewishmumbai #mumbaijews #jews #jewish #mtdc #rotary #rotarymumbai #rotaryclub amfahindia museumjewishheritage jewishnewsculture mumbai_jews mumbai_jews jewishvoiceforpeace

Was #honoured by the #jewishheritage #jewishcommunity #jewishmumbai #mumbaijews #jews #jewish #mtdc #rotary #rotarymumbai #rotaryclub amfahindia museumjewishheritage jewishnewsculture mumbai_jews mumbai_jews jewishvoiceforpeace ...

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Sep 20

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Indian halwa, milk or coconut milk-based custard, traditional for Rosh Hashanah. It’s sort of similar to malabi if you are looking for a point of reference. Happy Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, to you all! I didn’t add nuts here due to an allergy. Copyright © ShulieMadnick Traditional Indian pastries for break the fast on Yom Kippur, are featured on IG Stories.

Indian halwa, milk or coconut milk-based custard, traditional for Rosh Hashanah. It’s sort of similar to malabi if you are looking for a point of reference. Happy Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, to you all! I didn’t add nuts here due to an allergy. Copyright © ShulieMadnick Traditional Indian pastries for break the fast on Yom Kippur, are featured on IG Stories. ...

42 1

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Sep 5

Open
It’s not an Indian Rosh HaShanah without halwa, a sweet milk custard with cardamon that is chilled & then sliced into diamonds. It's reminiscent of sahleb (salep). At 10 am we arrived at my mom’s, and her Indian friend/caretaker and I took turns churning this quadruple batch for almost two hours. We should have put it on the larger flame, but it was risky. We needed to watch that the halwa wouldn’t curdle, so we kept it on the lower flame and stirred fervently. I have written before about halwa for Rosh HaShanah and even shared in the past halwa making before Rosh HaShanah from my trip to India. (iPhone) זה לא ראש השנה הודי בלי הלווה, מין פודינג ממותק הודי עם חלב והל שמקררים וחותכים למעויינים. זה מאוד מזכיר את הסחלב. הגענו לאמא שלי הבוקר ואני והחברה/מטפלת ההודית שלה ערבבנו וערבבנו כמעט שעתיים. הכמות הזו היא פי ארבע מהרגיל. כתבתי מאמרים על הלווה וראש השנה ואפילו חלקתי פה בעבר וידאו של הכנת הלווה בהודו לפני ראש השנה.

It’s not an Indian Rosh HaShanah without halwa, a sweet milk custard with cardamon that is chilled & then sliced into diamonds. It`s reminiscent of sahleb (salep). At 10 am we arrived at my mom’s, and her Indian friend/caretaker and I took turns churning this quadruple batch for almost two hours. We should have put it on the larger flame, but it was risky. We needed to watch that the halwa wouldn’t curdle, so we kept it on the lower flame and stirred fervently. I have written before about halwa for Rosh HaShanah and even shared in the past halwa making before Rosh HaShanah from my trip to India. (iPhone)
זה לא ראש השנה הודי בלי הלווה, מין פודינג ממותק הודי עם חלב והל שמקררים וחותכים למעויינים. זה מאוד מזכיר את הסחלב. הגענו לאמא שלי הבוקר ואני והחברה/מטפלת ההודית שלה ערבבנו וערבבנו כמעט שעתיים. הכמות הזו היא פי ארבע מהרגיל. כתבתי מאמרים על הלווה וראש השנה ואפילו חלקתי פה בעבר וידאו של הכנת הלווה בהודו לפני ראש השנה. ...

44 3

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Jan 17

Open
#Tbt to my trip to Mumbai last January _______________________________________________ I often say that I was raised with the Jewish Mumbai of the 1950's and prior. Growing up my parents and family made sure I was raised knowing about those who proceeded me and their service and actions which molded the future for their descendants. There were often references to my great great grandfather Haeem Samuel Kehimkar Z"l. After only having 6th grade level of formal education he mounted up to become a great historian and icon for the Bene Israel community. He wrote the first history book of the Bene Israelis, "The History of Bene Israel of India." When he was offered land by the British he chose to a lot it for the Jewish cemetery and the first Jewish school in Mumbai, the Israelite School, which is now known as the Sir Elly Kadoorie School. Standing on the grounds of the school made me think of his vision and legacy. To me my great great grandfather represented what it means to be an individual for the people. He was a proud Jew of India and believed in investing in the future. He valued education and Judaism and wanted an enriched future for our community. To me the best way to continue his legacy is to invest in our youth and make sure they receive worth while formal and informal education as well as opportunities. They should be connected with others from the community around the world and be pushed forward. The best thing my parents could have done was not only tell me the stories of my community's origins, but to add life lessons on how it should inspire me to dream big and aim high. ✡️🇮🇳🕍 #India #JewishIndia #JewishMumbai #Mumbai #BeneIsrael #KosherIndia #Judaism #Heritage #History #Ancestry #Prayer #Religion #Education #Mumbai

#Tbt to my trip to Mumbai last January _______________________________________________

I often say that I was raised with the Jewish Mumbai of the 1950`s and prior. Growing up my parents and family made sure I was raised knowing about those who proceeded me and their service and actions which molded the future for their descendants.

There were often references to my great great grandfather Haeem Samuel Kehimkar Z"l. After only having 6th grade level of formal education he mounted up to become a great historian and icon for the Bene Israel community. He wrote the first history book of the Bene Israelis, "The History of Bene Israel of India." When he was offered land by the British he chose to a lot it for the Jewish cemetery and the first Jewish school in Mumbai, the Israelite School, which is now known as the Sir Elly Kadoorie School.

Standing on the grounds of the school made me think of his vision and legacy. To me my great great grandfather represented what it means to be an individual for the people. He was a proud Jew of India and believed in investing in the future. He valued education and Judaism and wanted an enriched future for our community.

To me the best way to continue his legacy is to invest in our youth and make sure they receive worth while formal and informal education as well as opportunities. They should be connected with others from the community around the world and be pushed forward.
The best thing my parents could have done was not only tell me the stories of my community`s origins, but to add life lessons on how it should inspire me to dream big and aim high. ✡️🇮🇳🕍

#India #JewishIndia #JewishMumbai #Mumbai #BeneIsrael #KosherIndia #Judaism #Heritage #History #Ancestry #Prayer #Religion #Education #Mumbai ...

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