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JEWISH Kolkata

Jewish city story of Kolkata

Introduction to Jewish Kolkata

Jewish Kolkata is a city with a rich and diverse Jewish history. For centuries, Jewish people have lived in the city, bringing their culture and traditions to the bustling metropolis. From the Jewish Quarter of Bowbazar to famous Jewish figures who have left an indelible mark on Kolkata's cultural identity, there is much to explore when it comes to this unique aspect of Indian heritage. This article will take you through a journey of discovery as we uncover the Jewish roots of Kolkata and explore some of its most important sites, people, and places associated with its Jewish past. Let us begin our exploration into one of India's most fascinating cities!

Jewish Culture and History in Kolkata

Early Jewish Life in Kolkata

Jewish people have been living in Kolkata for centuries, with the earliest Jewish settlers arriving in the city as early as 1798. These pioneers...

קבלו השראה! Get Inspired!

Get Google's city map with all of our info, sites and treats included!

אתרים מומלצים Sites to see

Sites

Maghen David Synagogue

Magen David (or the "Shield of David") Synagogue is located at the junction of Brabourne Road and Canning Street (Biplabi Rashbehari Road) in Kolkata. Magen David is the second operating synagogue in Kolkata, the being the Beth El Synagogue at Pollock Street. The synagogue was built in 1884 by Elias David Ezra in memory of his father David Joseph Ezra, who made his fortune in the real estate trade of Kolkata. Elias David Joseph Ezra is associated with some of the well known buildings of Kolkata including Esplanade Mansion, Ezra Mansion and Chowringhee Mansion. Ezra Street is also named after him. The synagogue is built in the Italian Renaissance style with a brick red finish. The entrance to the synagogue compound is hidden behind makeshift stalls selling hairclips and other trinkets. The Magen David Synagogue is approached through an arched door, containing the hexagonal "Star of David" and Hebrew inscription. The two side walls contains memorial plaques dedicated to the well known Jews of Calcutta (Kolkata). Although the services of the Magen David Synagogue have long stopped, the interior is astonishingly well maintained. The chequered marble floor, gleaming chandeliers, stained glass windows and ornate floral pillars shipped from Paris enhance its Continental look. The ark of the Magen David Synagogue is set into the walls of an apse. The star-studded half dome of the apse represents the heavens. The large plaque above the middle section of the ark contains the Ten Commandments. It also contains several other Hebrew inscription along with several other items of Jewish Iconography, including the seven branched lamp stand of the menorah. High above the wall opposite the ark is a beautiful stained glass rose window. At the centre of the hall is the bimah, the raised platform from which the Torah was read. Two sets of stairs from either side of the hall lead to the upper balconies, reserved for women.

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Tours of Kolkata

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מסעדות בסגנון יהודי JEWISH STYLE RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Koshe Kosha

For over a decade Koshe Kosha (KK) has strived to bring back the authenticity of Bengal’s culinary heritage whilst bringing the cuisine to a more contemporary palate. As a unit of Proem Hospitality, KK was created with the single vision to promote the flavours that form this unique cuisine, to a wider audience. With multiple restaurants across India, the food at Koshe Kosha is known for its distinct “Bangaliana”*. Our signature dishes Kosha Mangsho, Chingri Malai Biryani and Bhekti Paturi have brought a smile to thousands of patrons. We are on a quest to bring this same smile and gastronomical experience to the world. Our original menu was limited to the age old “Kosha Mangsho and Basanti Polao” combination. The roots of this confluence originated from North Kolkata but its authenticity was on the verge of extinction. Therefore in the summer of 2007, KK was born with a small space in Hatibagan, Kolkata with the drive to bring this classic back. Over the years, we have added to the menu in order to represent the larger vision of taking this cuisine to new heights. KK has been able to add numerous restaurants in our portfolio and gained years of experience under our belt however, “Kosha Mangsho” will always remain our favourite and most popular dish! *”Bangaliana” – Although definitions can typically vary and be quite abstract, we regard this term as being associated with providing a true reflection of the traits that defines being a Bengali. A projection of the energy, sentiments, culture, thoughts & habits that originate from this historic region.

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מדריכים בעיר CITY GUIDES

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קראו עוד בלוגים וספרים אלקטרוניים READ MORE BLOGS AND EBOOKS

Iris Hami September 23, 2024

Luxury Small Group Jewish Tours in India

India is a land of contrasts with a rich history and a civilization that goes back thousands of years. It also has ancient Jewish communities and was historically one of the most tolerant and welcoming countries for Jews. Modern India offers travelers amazing luxury and opulence, with old-world service standards that focus on honoring guests. India is a real travel adventure with exotic food, wildlife and splendid cultural treasures.

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World Jewish Travel Official February 17, 2024

Exploring Jewish Culture in Kolkata, India - A Journey Through History

Introduction to Jewish Kolkata Jewish Kolkata is a city with a rich and diverse Jewish history. For centuries, Jewish people have lived in the city, bringing their culture and traditions to the bustling metropolis. From the Jewish Quarter of Bowbazar to famous Jewish figures who have left an indelible mark on Kolkata's cultural identity, there is much to explore when it comes to this unique aspect of Indian heritage. This article will take you through a journey of discovery as we uncover the Jewish roots of Kolkata and explore some of its most important sites, people, and places associated with its Jewish past. Let us begin our exploration into one of India's most fascinating cities!

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Hotels in Kolkata

Hotels

AltAir Boutique Hotel

Ambuja Neotia is one of the most prominent and respected corporate houses headquartered in Kolkata, with its forte in real estate and recent forays into hospitality, healthcare and education. The company, under the stewardship of Harshavardhan Neotia, has been responsible for landmark projects in and around Kolkata. Udayan, Kolkata’s first condo villa built on the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model, made good living ‘affordable’ for the first time in the country and earned Harshavardhan Neotia the Padma Shri in 1999. Upohar~TheCondoville, one of the largest residential projects of Ambuja Neotia, brought together efficiency, comfort and luxury, transforming dreams into reality. With City Centre Salt Lake, the mall concept was revolutionized. Leisure destinations like The Fort Raichak and Ganga Kutir were created along the river Ganges. The Group also forayed into healthcare with the setting up of Bhagirathi Neotia Woman and Child Care Centre. Ecospace Business Park was developed to give the city smarter, greener workspaces for better work-life balance. The Conclave revolutionized the way business clubs were perceived; it’s the first of its kind to blend fine dining, decor and personalized service. With the vision of imparting education that transforms students into leaders for a global society, the Group embarked on a new journey with The Neotia University. The Group continues to launch strings of projects across Real Estate, Hospitality and Healthcare to add to the experiences and keep making a difference to the way people live.

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🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India. 

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio

🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India.

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio
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Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

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Discover the enigmatic “Donkey Stable” in Jerusalem`s underground. Unveil the city`s secrets from home. 🌌

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🏰✨ Travel through time and faith without leaving home! Join on a virtual journey through Jerusalem’s Old City, a place where history and spirituality meet. 

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🏰✨ Travel through time and faith without leaving home! Join on a virtual journey through Jerusalem’s Old City, a place where history and spirituality meet.

Check our bio for more information🌟

#VirtualTour #Jerusalem #Passover
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🌟 This journey brings Jerusalem's sites right to your screen. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the spirit of Jerusalem from home.🌿

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🌟 This journey brings Jerusalem`s sites right to your screen. Don`t miss this opportunity to connect with the spirit of Jerusalem from home.🌿

Link is in our bio✨

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Embark on a virtual journey through the Holy Land🌿!
Join 'Explore the Holy Land’ Virtual Journey, where ancient traditions come to life.

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Embark on a virtual journey through the Holy Land🌿!
Join `Explore the Holy Land’ Virtual Journey, where ancient traditions come to life.

Check our bio for the link💫

#VirtualJourney #HolyLandExperience
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🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India. 

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio

🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India.

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio
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34 1
Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

 Link is in our bio

#VirtualTravel #JerusalemVibes #SpiritualJourney #JewishTravel #Isarel  #BirkatKohanim #JewishJerusalem

Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

Link is in our bio

#VirtualTravel #JerusalemVibes #SpiritualJourney #JewishTravel #Isarel #BirkatKohanim #JewishJerusalem
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Discover the enigmatic “Donkey Stable” in Jerusalem's underground. Unveil the city's secrets from home. 🌌

Find link in our bio

#JerusalemUnderground #CitySecrets #ExploreHistory #JewishTravel #Israel #Travel #WesternWall

Discover the enigmatic “Donkey Stable” in Jerusalem`s underground. Unveil the city`s secrets from home. 🌌

Find link in our bio

#JerusalemUnderground #CitySecrets #ExploreHistory #JewishTravel #Israel #Travel #WesternWall
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