Mattancherry Kadavumbhagam Synagogue

Mattancherry Kadavumbhagam Synagogue A standing testimony to our land, its Kings and their people. The Kerala Jewish Heritage Conservation Society

A page dedicated to the restoration of Mattancherry Kadavumbhagam Synagogue as a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of various communities in the Kingdom of Cochin from the time immemorial. This page is dedicated to the restoration of Mattancherry Kadavumbhagam Synagogue (MKS) as a monumental testimony to the cultural symbiosis of our mother land and the rich heritage and traditions of harmoniou

s coexistence of different communities who lived peacefully under the illustrious Kings of Kochi and the other visiting powers who facilitated such co-existence during their time here. We hardly have any Historical records of the origin of MKS, according to our oral tradition, MKS came into existence with the development of Kochi (Cochin) after the flood of 1341 which literally made the great Muziris port useless by heaping up silt in the waterways of the harbour. As life and activities grew in and around Kochi the first synagogue which was built probably in 14-15th century near the Marakadavu was moved to its present location probably just around the begining of the 16th century when portugese were establishing themselves in Kochi. Later, the Synagogue went through timely repairs and renovations the major one being recorded in the stone slab of the synagogue which is now displayed at the paradesi Synagogue. After the formation of the state of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent migration (Aliya) of the member families of the synagogue to Israel in 1950's and 60's synagogue was left to the care of the neighbouring synagogue who chose to stay back in Kochi. The departing community members had carried along with them all the relics and interior wood works of the synagogue including their holy books and other ritualistic articles in the hope of recreating their centuries old prayer house in their new homeland. MKS was completely abandoned as a place of worship and was used as a godown, cattle shed as it changed hands in the last few decades obliterating its historical and cultural importance to our mother land in the process. In the last few decades as the growing tourism of the town made many aware of the importance of the now abandoned monument they came together and urged the government to take over which it did in due course. Even after the Government decision the day has not come for MKS to be restored to its rightful place in the historical and cultural sphere of our land, this page is dedicated to the efforts to achieve that objective.

Hopeful one day soon....the oldest synagogue in Kochi would turn into a much loved museum under the State Archaeology De...
14/12/2025

Hopeful one day soon....the oldest synagogue in Kochi would turn into a much loved museum under the State Archaeology Department.

One day this tomb shrine of Rabbi Nehemia Mota would become more popular than the shrine of Kuriachan at Mattancherry. I...
14/12/2025

One day this tomb shrine of Rabbi Nehemia Mota would become more popular than the shrine of Kuriachan at Mattancherry.
If this tomb is the only one that survived time from among the others in the 1.32 acres of the cemetery of Mattancherry Kadavumbhagam Synagogue (Kochangadi Synagogue) there would be a reason.

450th Death Anniversary of Rabbi Nehemia Mota. Basil Koder and Dr. David Hallegua on the right along with Rabbi Joel Wei...
14/12/2025

450th Death Anniversary of Rabbi Nehemia Mota. Basil Koder and Dr. David Hallegua on the right along with Rabbi Joel Weinberger and others.

First of the month of Cheshvan.Cheshvan (also called Marcheshvan) is the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year and the...
23/10/2025

First of the month of Cheshvan.

Cheshvan (also called Marcheshvan) is the eighth month of the ecclesiastical year and the second month of the civil year in the Jewish calendar, usually occurring in October-November. The name Cheshvan derives from the Babylonian word Marcheshvan, while its original Hebrew name was Bul, meaning "rain" or "drip," reflecting its association with the rainy season in Israel. The prefix "Mar" was later interpreted as "bitter" because Cheshvan is unique for having no holidays or festivals, making it a month of reflection and solemnity following the busy holiday month of Tishrei. It is also called "Chodesh Bul" referring to its connection to the rainy season and agricultural significance.

Religiously and biblically, Cheshvan holds significance as the month during which the Great Flood began (17th of Cheshvan) according to Jewish tradition, an event described in Genesis 6-8. Noah and his family endured the flood, and it marked divine judgment on a wicked generation. Cheshvan is also linked to the completion of Solomon's First Temple, although its dedication was delayed until Tishrei. Additionally, the rainy season (Yoreh) begins during Cheshvan, critical for sustaining life and crops in Israel. The month is also seen symbolically as a time of judgment and grace, and some traditions view it as a preparatory period for the Messiah and future redemption.

Traditional customs during Cheshvan include several fasts, most notably the Fast of Behab, consisting of fasts on the Monday, Thursday, and subsequent Monday after the festivals of Sukkot and Passover, observed mainly by Ashkenazi communities. On the 27th of Cheshvan, some observe a minor fast called Yom Kippur Katan ("small Yom Kippur"), with prayers and introspection. On the 7th of Cheshvan, prayers for rain are added to the daily Amidah (Shmoneh Esreh) to invoke a fruitful rainy season. Despite no major holidays, Cheshvan is a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and preparation with hopes for growth and renewal.

Cheshvan is a month of sober reflection tied to important biblical events and natural cycles, marked by customs of fasting and prayer, and is symbolically connected to themes of judgment, grace, and hope for future redemption.

Conclusion of a few weeks long festivals at Mattancherry Synagogue.
17/10/2025

Conclusion of a few weeks long festivals at Mattancherry Synagogue.

Seventh day of Sukkot is the last day of the festival in Israel but in the diaspora there is one more day. These days ou...
13/10/2025

Seventh day of Sukkot is the last day of the festival in Israel but in the diaspora there is one more day. These days our Paradesi Synagogue will be beautifully lit with oil lamps.

In Loving Memory of Haim Aharon (1947–2025)It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Mr. Haim Aharon, who left...
13/10/2025

In Loving Memory of Haim Aharon (1947–2025)

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Mr. Haim Aharon, who left us day before yesterday following a sudden heart failure. Born in Mala, Kerala, in 1947, he immigrated to Israel in 1954 at the age of seven and made his home in Mesilat Zion, where he lived a full and vibrant life.

Although 78, Haim remained active, energetic, and full of spirit. His sudden passing has come as a shock to all who knew and loved him.

Haim was born in a house located at the heart of Mala town — a building that now serves as the Mala Post Office. His bond with his birthplace remained unbroken throughout his life. Since 2012, he was deeply involved in the movement to protect the Jewish monuments of Mala, a cause close to his heart. He visited the Mala synagogue, cemetery, and other Jewish heritage sites in Kerala several times, accompanied by his beloved wife Noga, their three daughters, and grandchildren.

Haim played a pivotal role in organizing a group of Cochin Jews in Israel who stood in solidarity with the heritage protection efforts in Kerala, especially in Mala. He was instrumental in the initiative of Cochin Jews in Israel which resulted in the involvement of Indian Embassy in Israel that extended its support for the noble cause of protecting the Jewish monuments in Mala.

During his service in the local authority of Mesilat Zion, he ensured that the memory of his roots remained alive by naming two streets — Mala Street and Cochin Street —in Mesilat Zion a gesture that reflected his enduring love for his homeland.

Though the pandemic and worldwide lockdowns kept him away from Kerala in recent years, he had been planning a visit in the coming tourist season. For him, every return to Mala was not merely a journey — it was a pilgrimage of the heart.

We join his family and friends in mourning the loss of a true son of Mala, whose life bridged two lands and whose heart remained ever faithful to his origins.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Third day of the ongoing Sukkot festival.
09/10/2025

Third day of the ongoing Sukkot festival.

Shabbath Shalom.The Shabbath before Rosh Hoshanna.
19/09/2025

Shabbath Shalom.
The Shabbath before Rosh Hoshanna.

Simply the biggest day of our year.
05/09/2025

Simply the biggest day of our year.

In memory of Mrs. Queenie Hallegua.An year since her passing.
10/08/2025

In memory of Mrs. Queenie Hallegua.
An year since her passing.

03/08/2025

2 August 2025 Tisha B'Av

Tisha B’Av, meaning "the ninth day of [the month of] Av" in Hebrew, is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. It is a day of national mourning for the Jewish people, commemorating multiple tragedies that have occurred throughout history, most significantly the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BCE, and the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans under Titus in 70 CE. These two losses marked devastating turning points in Jewish history, leading to exile and dispersion.

In addition to these events, Tisha B’Av also marks the fall of Betar in 135 CE, which ended the Bar Kochba revolt and resulted in the massacre of thousands. Following this, the Roman general Turnus Rufus plowed over the Temple Mount, turning it into a pagan site. Other tragic events that occurred on or near this day include the expulsions of Jews from England in 1290, France in 1306, and Spain in 1492. In modern times, Tisha B’Av also serves as a time of remembrance for the Holocaust and other tragedies faced by the Jewish people.

The observance of Tisha B’Av reflects the depth of mourning. It includes a full 25-hour fast from sunset to sunset, during which no food or water is consumed. Traditional mourning practices are observed, such as refraining from bathing, using perfumes, or wearing leather shoes. People sit on the floor or on low stools until midday as a sign of sorrow, and greetings, even simple ones like “Shalom,” are avoided. The Book of Lamentations (Eikhah) is read, often by candlelight, and Kinot—elegiac poems—are recited in the synagogue. Torah study, which brings joy, is limited on this day to texts that relate to tragedy and destruction.

Though the mood is deeply solemn, Tisha B’Av is not without a note of hope. According to tradition, the Messiah will be born on this day, suggesting that even within the depths of despair, redemption begins to stir. This theme of loss and longing, exile and return, and ultimate restoration runs through the reflections and prayers of the day.

In 2025, Tisha B’Av will begin on the evening of Saturday, August 2, and end at nightfall on Sunday, August 3. Because mourning practices are not permitted on Shabbat, the fast is delayed by one day when the ninth of Av falls on a Saturday.

Tisha B’Av invites both personal and collective reflection, encouraging remembrance of suffering while holding on to the hope of rebuilding, renewal, and a future return to peace and closeness with the divine.

Keralajews

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Kochi
682002

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+918590180477

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