Magen Abraham Synagogue
Encyclopedia
The Magen Abraham Synagogue was built in Ahmedabad
in 1934 using donations from members of the Bene Israel
Jewish community throughout the state of Gujarat. Magen Abraham is the only synagogue in the state and members travel from great distances for the High Holidays.
The synagogue is built in the Art deco style with marble chequered floors and a large ark. The furniture consists of movable pews arranged around a central Bimah. The Ark contains multiple Torahs of many sizes and in hard cases. The women's balcony is unusual (as compared to other synagogues in India) in that it is not supported by pillars. The Synagogue is located within the old fort of Ahmedabad and stands across the street from a Parsee Fire Temple.
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Community
The Jewish community in Ahmedabad has shrunk considerably in the past few decades with many families emigrating to Israel, the United States and Europe.
Members of the community have been prominent in the Educational field in Ahmedabad. Notable institutions include the Nelson's group of schools, the Best School and many others. The Nelson's group also includes an International school which follows the standards of the University of Cambridge International Examinations.
Culture
The synagogue has a small but still active community. The communal celebration of Pesah (Passover) still takes place and High holidays are observed annually.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad also known as Karnavati is the largest city in Gujarat, India. It is the former capital of Gujarat and is also the judicial capital of Gujarat as the Gujarat High Court has its seat in Ahmedabad...
in 1934 using donations from members of the Bene Israel
Bene Israel
The Bene Israel are a group of Jews who migrated in the 19th century from villages in the Konkan area to the nearby Indian cities, primarily Mumbai, but also to Pune, and Ahmedabad. Prior to these waves of emigrations and to this day, the Bene Israel formed the largest sector of the subcontinent's...
Jewish community throughout the state of Gujarat. Magen Abraham is the only synagogue in the state and members travel from great distances for the High Holidays.
The synagogue is built in the Art deco style with marble chequered floors and a large ark. The furniture consists of movable pews arranged around a central Bimah. The Ark contains multiple Torahs of many sizes and in hard cases. The women's balcony is unusual (as compared to other synagogues in India) in that it is not supported by pillars. The Synagogue is located within the old fort of Ahmedabad and stands across the street from a Parsee Fire Temple.
----
Community
The Jewish community in Ahmedabad has shrunk considerably in the past few decades with many families emigrating to Israel, the United States and Europe.
Members of the community have been prominent in the Educational field in Ahmedabad. Notable institutions include the Nelson's group of schools, the Best School and many others. The Nelson's group also includes an International school which follows the standards of the University of Cambridge International Examinations.
Culture
The synagogue has a small but still active community. The communal celebration of Pesah (Passover) still takes place and High holidays are observed annually.