The Jews in Alibag
In a small village characterized by lush greenery and beautiful mountains are the historical sights for an ancient and fascinating Jewish community.
The place called Alibag, marks the location that a group of Jews arrived from Israel following the destruction of the second temple. They were travelling west when their boat crashed with only 6 or 7 couples surviving. These people remained in India and established a Jewish community built upon the knowledge they arrived with. With no textual sources, the Jews of India maintained an oral tradition of laws that they passed down throughout the generations. Some of these included reciting the Shema prayer and ensuring that their fish was kosher with fins and scales. Throughout the centuries these customs were maintained, and beautiful synagogues were established for the community to pray together.
Fast forward a few thousand years to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.Since Jews in India had Israel (and specifically Jerusalem) as a focal point in their prayers, many Jews took the opportunity to make Aliya and continue their lives in Israel.
In Alibag over the past couple of days our group had the opportunity to visit some of the remnants of this small but fascinating Jewish community. Highlights of our time included visiting 2 Shuls (one of which is under construction), visiting the oil press of Benjamin (a local Jewish resident), hearing an elderly chazzan chant a beautiful tefila (prayer), walking through a Jewish cemetery, and viewing the sight of "Elijiah's rock."
As time progresses and the community dwindles due to assimilation and Aliya, plans are being made to ensure that these historical religious sights are preserved.
In a small village characterized by lush greenery and beautiful mountains are the historical sights for an ancient and fascinating Jewish community.
The place called Alibag, marks the location that a group of Jews arrived from Israel following the destruction of the second temple. They were travelling west when their boat crashed with only 6 or 7 couples surviving. These people remained in India and established a Jewish community built upon the knowledge they arrived with. With no textual sources, the Jews of India maintained an oral tradition of laws that they passed down throughout the generations. Some of these included reciting the Shema prayer and ensuring that their fish was kosher with fins and scales. Throughout the centuries these customs were maintained, and beautiful synagogues were established for the community to pray together.
Fast forward a few thousand years to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.Since Jews in India had Israel (and specifically Jerusalem) as a focal point in their prayers, many Jews took the opportunity to make Aliya and continue their lives in Israel.
In Alibag over the past couple of days our group had the opportunity to visit some of the remnants of this small but fascinating Jewish community. Highlights of our time included visiting 2 Shuls (one of which is under construction), visiting the oil press of Benjamin (a local Jewish resident), hearing an elderly chazzan chant a beautiful tefila (prayer), walking through a Jewish cemetery, and viewing the sight of "Elijiah's rock."
As time progresses and the community dwindles due to assimilation and Aliya, plans are being made to ensure that these historical religious sights are preserved.
- Elise Loterman
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