Let no sadness come through this gate.
Let no trouble come to this dwelling.
Let no fear come through this door.
Let no conflict be in this place.
Let this home be filled with the blessing of joy and peace.
(A Jewish home blessing)
A glimpse at the neglected past of Jewish tradition is all that takes to enrich a Kochiite’s day. The glow of candelabrum, the piety of Torah, the tranquility that transcends tests of time - all this and much more can be felt at the splendid exhibition of the Jews of Malabar at the Ethnic Passage, Jew Town, Mattanchery.
The Jewish prenuptial agreement of Kethubot, Hebrew slabs recovered from myriad synagogues, the Jewish holy book of Torah, usually exempt from public gaze, of which a model is displayed, and the pristine glow of Jewish lamps are striking relics of a rich, latent Jewish past.
In spite of being a minority, the Jews have a glorious and yet a lesser known past. Jews of Malabar succeeds in throwing light on the these shadowed facets.
Jewish settlement in Kerala dates back to about 72 BC. Most of them came from Baghdad or Yemen for trade.
There are placards telling tales of eminent Jewish men and their contributions to human welfare, including that of David Ezekiel Rahabi. David, a Jewish merchant and diplomat, had played a pivotal role in strengthening the Jewish fervour by constructing the monumental clock tower of Mattanchery. He was also the first merchant to import willow patterned Chinese tiles, paved on the floors of Paradesi synagogue.
The show has in store a vivid description of various synagogues in Kerala, enlivened with photographs. Chennamangalam synagogue, Mala synagogue and Thekkumbhagom synagogue are a few among them of which Paradesi synagogue is the oldest and most active.
The Hanukkah Menorah or the nine-branched candelabrum of the Jews used for Hanukkah festival or the festival of lights and rebirth, the Kiddush chalice and Jewish prayer books are some of the other historical remnants exhibited.
The festival of Hanukkah is observed by the kindling of the lights of Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The extra light is called a shamash and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for practical use, for, using the Hanukkah lights themselves for purposes other than publicising and meditating upon Hanukkah is forbidden.
Visitors will also be treated to a documentary on various aspects of Malabari Jewish history.
The people behind the venture are Thoufeek Zakriya and Thaha Ibrahim, who are enthusiastic about bringing to light the hitherto lesser known realms of Jewish history. A chef by profession, Thoufeek is a Muslim calligrapher zealous about the Jewish traditions and customs. Both share an endearing relationship with Sarah Cohen(90) who is the eldest living member of the Jew community of Mattanchery.
Citing the instances of Kadavumbagom and Mala synagogues, they also expressed their anguish at the state of negligence that the age-old synagogues are in.
The exhibition is on from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 am to 6 pm till December 10.
— Athena Joseph, Shilpa Sebastian and Athira Mohan