United We Prosper
To me, a synagogue symbolizes the peak of community, tradition and unity.
As a Bene Israel Jew, tradition has always been emphasized in my upbringing. Attending synagogue has always been seen as a historical, spiritual experience that goes back to the days of my ancestors. From parent to child, the Jews of India have been able to maintain their spirituality and tradition. They prove to us that the only way to do so is with a unified community. This was evident when we attended services at the Iraqi synagogue, Keneset Eliyahu.
My personal experience was filled with mixed emotions. To think this 150 year old synagogue, like many others in India, was once full and now, after most of the community members have made Aliyah, it services with just enough for a minyan. It was so beautiful to see Iraqi and Bene Israel Jews come together to maintain the spirit of the Jewish presence in the area.
It was clear that put visit had brought extra Ruach and life to this aged synagogue. With the community getting smaller with time, we have the privilege to say that we prayed with the Jewish community in Mumbai- an opportunity not many will be able to have.
My prayer for the next 6 days is for myself and the rest of the Impact India team, to take every moment in. We will be having more new experiences and it is important that we experienced it all to its fullest, so that we can take everything we have leaned, like the importance of communal unity, back home to Toronto.
-Ariella Daniels
To me, a synagogue symbolizes the peak of community, tradition and unity.
As a Bene Israel Jew, tradition has always been emphasized in my upbringing. Attending synagogue has always been seen as a historical, spiritual experience that goes back to the days of my ancestors. From parent to child, the Jews of India have been able to maintain their spirituality and tradition. They prove to us that the only way to do so is with a unified community. This was evident when we attended services at the Iraqi synagogue, Keneset Eliyahu.
My personal experience was filled with mixed emotions. To think this 150 year old synagogue, like many others in India, was once full and now, after most of the community members have made Aliyah, it services with just enough for a minyan. It was so beautiful to see Iraqi and Bene Israel Jews come together to maintain the spirit of the Jewish presence in the area.
It was clear that put visit had brought extra Ruach and life to this aged synagogue. With the community getting smaller with time, we have the privilege to say that we prayed with the Jewish community in Mumbai- an opportunity not many will be able to have.
My prayer for the next 6 days is for myself and the rest of the Impact India team, to take every moment in. We will be having more new experiences and it is important that we experienced it all to its fullest, so that we can take everything we have leaned, like the importance of communal unity, back home to Toronto.
-Ariella Daniels
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