For centuries, Jews in India met and prayed together in temporary structures or members’ homes. Bene Israel Jews, who settled in Mumbai or Pune in the late 18th century or early 19th century, are the largest of the three groups of Indian Jews. [The three groups are: Bene-Israel, Cochini or Bagdadi Jews] They constructed synagogues of various styles, including Art Deco and Colonial influences. The Tiphereth Israel Synagogue is an Orthodox Bene Israel synagogue.
Tiphereth Israel Synagogue is one of the older synagogues in Mumbai. By 1923 the congregation had grown to 200 members. They purchased the ‘Rosh-Del-Villa’ premises at Jacob Circle. The congregation recently celebrated its 125th anniversary with the inauguration of a mikvah (ritual bath). Today, there are approximately 5,000 Jews in India, 4,000 are in Mumbai. The Aron Kodesh contains nine Sefer Torahs kept in wooden cases with ornamental silver scroll handles. Beautiful lamps and incense burners drop down in front of the Aron Kodesh.
Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue was built in 1884 by Jacob Elias Sassoon in memory of his father Eliyahoo Sassoon. It is situated close to the well-known hotels of the Taj Mahal and Hilton Towers and many other hotels situated nearby. In earlier years there was a large affluent Bagdadi Jewish Community living in the area. The Jewish Club and the David Sassoon Library were close to the Synagogue and during High Holidays especially “Rosh Hashanah” and “Yom Kippur” the entire Synagogue was filled, with extra chairs placed all around the Synagogue. The ladies, of course were seated on the upper floor which was also completely packed. There is regular “Minyan” on ‘Erev Shabbath’ and Shabbath. After the morning service ‘Kiddush’ with a “Shulhan” (Seudah) is served to all members attending the services.
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