Magen
David Synagogue
Kolkata has always
been a melting pot of various cultures & religions. Jews were one of the
last communities to arrive in Calcutta (Kolkata) but within a short span of
time they made their presence felt by controlling a large section of the trade
in Calcutta (Kolkata).
Once the Jews in
Calcutta (Kolkata) numbered 6000 and had an active community complete with
Synagogues where various religious rituals were carried out. The independence
of India in 1947 and the birth of the Jewish state of Israel in 1948 marked the
decline of Jewish population in Calcutta (Kolkata). Today the only about 30
Jews are left in the city.
But the two synagogues, Beth El & Magen
David, of Calcutta (Kolakta) still stands. Declared as protected monuments they
are looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Built
in 1884 the Magen David, or the Shield of David, Synagogue is located at the
junction of Brabourne Road and Cannig Street (Biplabi Rashbehari Road). It is
located on one of the busiest crossing of Calcutta (Kolkata) and its 140 feet
high clock tower still dominates the Calcutta (Kolkata) skyline. Sadly not many
Calcuttans are aware of its existence and it is often mistaken as a church.
The
Maghen David Synagogue is approached through a arched door, containing the
hexagonal “Star of David” and Hebrew inscription. Ther two side walls contains
memorial plaques dedicated to the well known Jews of Calcutta (Kolkata).
Although
the services of the Magen David Synagogue have long stopped but the interior
are astonishingly well maintained. The chequered marble floor, gleaming
chandeliers, stained glass windows create a stunning atmosphere.
The
alter of the Magen David Synagogue is crowned with a Apse (Half Dome) studded
with stars. It represents the heaven. The large plaque in the middle contain
the “Ten Commandments.”
It
also contains several other Hebrew inscription along with several other items
of Jewish Iconography, including the seven branched lamp stand of Menorah.
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