Kadavumbhagam Ernakulam Synagogue
| Kadavumbhagham Ernakulam Synagogue | |
|---|---|
The synagogue interior, in 2022 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala |
| Country | India |
| Architecture | |
| Date established | 1200 CE |
The Kadavumbhagham Ernakulam Synagogue is a Jewish congregation and synagogue, located in Kochi, in the Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India.
Established in 1200 CE: 15:247 and restored several times on the same site, it is the oldest synagogue of the Malabar Jews with a Sefer Torah scroll and offering occasional services. The synagogue is modelled on the earliest synagogue of the Malabar Jews at Muziris (currently submerged due to rising sea levels), which date from the time of ancient sea trade between the Mediterranean and Kerala.
Although the former Chendamangalam Synagogue, completed in 1166 CE, is the oldest surviving synagogue structure in Kerala and the Indian subcontinent, its Torah scrolls were taken to Israel by its congregation in 1952. Consequently, the Kadavumbhagham Ernakulam Synagogue is the oldest Malabar Jewish synagogue today (since its restoration in 2018) with a Torah scroll that is occasionally used for services. The Paradesi Sephardic Synagogue at Mattancherry also has Torah scrolls, but was established much later, in 1568 CE.