| Magen David Synagogue | |
|---|---|
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Rite | Baghdadi Jews |
| Status | Protected Monument under ASI |
| Location | |
| Location | Burrabazar,Kolkata |
 Interactive map of Magen David Synagogue | |
| Coordinates | 22°34′40″N88°21′07″E / 22.577694481559167°N 88.35194239008337°E /22.577694481559167; 88.35194239008337 |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Italian Renaissance |
| Completed | 11 September 1884 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 140 feet (43 m) |
| Width | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Spire height | 140 feet (43 m) |
Magen David Synagogue (or the "Shield of David") is located at the junction of Brabourne Road and Canning Street (Biplabi Rashbehari Road) inKolkata. Magen David is the second operating synagogue in Kolkata, the other is the Beth El Synagogue at Pollock Street.
The synagogue was built in 1884 byElias David Ezra in memory of his fatherDavid Joseph Ezra,[1] who made his fortune in the real estate trade of Kolkata. Elias David Joseph Ezra is associated with some of the well known buildings of Kolkata including Esplanade Mansion, Ezra Mansion and Chowringhee Mansion. Ezra Street is also named after him.[2]
The complex also houses the Neveh Shalome Synagogue, Calcutta's oldest existing synagogue.[3]
The synagogue is built in the Italian Renaissance style with a brick red finish. The entrance to the synagogue compound is hidden behind makeshift stalls selling hairclips and other trinkets.[4]The Magen David Synagogue is approached through an arched door, containing the hexagonal "Star of David" and Hebrew inscription. The two side walls contains memorial plaques dedicated to the well knownJews of Calcutta (Kolkata).Although the services of the Magen David Synagogue have long stopped, the interior is astonishingly well maintained. The chequered marble floor, gleaming chandeliers, stained glass windows and ornate floral pillars shipped from Paris enhance its Continental look.Theark of the Magen David Synagogue is set into the walls of anapse. The star-studded half dome of the apse represents the heavens. The large plaque above the middle section of the ark contains theTen Commandments.It also contains several other Hebrew inscription along with several other items of Jewish Iconography, including the seven branched lamp stand of the menorah. High above the wall opposite the ark is a beautiful stained glassrose window.At the centre of the hall is thebimah, the raised platform from which theTorah was read. Two sets of stairs from either side of the hall lead to the upper balconies, reserved for women.
Kolkata's Jews are mostly Baghdadi Jews who came to Kolkata to trade. At one point as strong as 6,000, the community dwindled to about 60 after theformation of Israel. Today there are only about 30 Jews left in Kolkata. The first recorded Jewish immigrant to Kolkata was Shalom Cohen in 1798 fromAleppo in present-daySyria. The most influential Jewish family in Kolkata was perhaps the father-son real estate magnatesDavid Joseph Ezra andElias David Ezra. The family founded the Jewish Girls School.
The community had five independent synagogues in Kolkata, out of which the Magen David, Neveh Shalome, and Beth El operate to this day. Magen David and the neighbouring Neveh Shalome are accessible to the public as they are under the protection of theArchaeological Survey of India.
The Jewish confectioner and bakeryNahoum's in theNew Market holds a special place inKolkata confectionery. Founded in 1902, Nahoum's moved to its present location in the New Market in 1916. A permission from the Nahoum Shop is required to visit the synagogues of Kolkata.
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