Revival Of Jewish Heritage In Kerala - Jerusalem Post
July 15, 2010 at 6:30:00 PM
The article in the Jerusalem Post by Shalva Weil talks about the Paravur Synagogue restoration. The stunning Parur synagogue is being rebuilt at a breakneck rate, highlighting the unique relationships Jews have with other religions in south India. The synagogue serves as a reminder of Kerala's Jewish past. Researchers' interest in Kerala has intensified as a result of the discovery of the ancient port of Muziris, which is just one kilometre from the Parur Synagogue. Researchers are speculating that there may be a link between the commercial port and the early Jewish presence in the region.
Previous Article
Next Article
The Parur Synagogue and other structures are being rebuilt under the direction of Benny Kuriakose.
Historical landmarks have done all possible to preserve the ancient synagogue building, and tremendous effort is put into trying to recreate characteristics that vanished a long time ago. Although the current synagogue was built in the 17th century, it likely rests on a building that dates to the 12th century. The Kerala synagogues offer a chance to educate Indians about Jewish life and culture within the context of their own history and culture, to increase the variety of eco-tourism circuits in the Muziris Heritage Project, and to serve as a constant reminder of the 2,000-year-long safe haven that Jews have enjoyed in India, says the project director of the exhibition on the Cochin Jews, Marian Sofaer.