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Jewish Heritage Tour

November 3-16, 2005

Back to Jewish Heritage Main Page

PHOTO: Paradesi Synagogue

PHOTO: Paradesi Synagogue, near Mattancherry Palace, in Cochin. The 4-century-old synagogue (built in 1568) is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. It still has the Scrolls of the Law, gold crowns gifted by dignitaries, chandeliers and a brass-railed pulpit. Unique willow pattern floor tiles speak to the Cochin Jews once thriving trade links with China.

Detailed Itinerary

Arrival in Bombay - Day 1
Arrive Bombay late night Feb 3 or early am Feb 4. Met at the airport and transfer to Ambassador Hotel.

Bombay - Fri - Day 2
Orientation by Mr Benjamin Issac, Director of the ORT School , Afterwards walking tour of Mumbai (B,D). Afternoon: we visit Tifereth Synagogue and arrive for evening service at Magen David Synagogue (6:50pm).

Bombay - Sat - Day 3
Optional 630 am service at Gate of Mercy Synagogue (BÕnai Israel Jews) or Juni Masji, established in 1896.

For those who observe Shabbat: independent morning. In the afternoon, our escort, Stephen Epstein, will hold discussions on the history of the lost tribes during and after lunch at the hotel.

Full day tour for those who do not observe Shabbat: we visit the Prince of Wales Museumwhich is Indo Saracenic architecture in keeping with the Gateway, but the dome of glazed tiles gives it a very Persian and Central Asian flavor. At the museum we will be walk through the excellent archeological section which has a well displayed section on the Indus Valley civilization, a sophisticated and advanced people who inhabited the Indus Valley from 8500BC to 3500BC. In 2000 BC the main city of Mohenjo Daro was deserted and within the next 250 years the entire civilization disappeared. The museum also houses an excellent collection or jade and silver jewelry and Indian miniature paintings. On the way to the Hanging Gardens we will pass the Victorian Gothic buildings of the city, stopping at the most remarkable of them all, the Victoria Terminus built in 1878. The frontage is symmetrical with a large central dome flanked by two wings. The dome is capped by a 4m high statue of Progress. The booking hall with its arcades, stained glass and glazed tiles was inspired by LondonÕs St Pancreas station. The Hanging Gardens offer a panoramic view of the harbor and a glimpse of the Towers of Silence, the rather unusual crematorium of the Parsi community. We stop for pictures at the Dhobi Ghat a sight unique to Mumbai and end at Mani Bhavan. This is a private home where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay and today is a museum dedicated to him and his achievements. (B,D)

Bombay - Day 4
A full day excursion south of Mumbai to the rocky outcrop, where the legend of the Bnei Yisrael started. The story is that 7 men and 7 women survived a shipwreck in the time of Solomon. They became oil pressers and remained in the area. There are a few shuls there and still Jews doing oilpressing today. The area is also considered to be the holiest shrine for the Bene Israelies of Mumbai. This is where it is believed Saint Elijah arrived on his chariot and the mark can be seen on the rock.

Malida ceremony-The Malida is a ceremonial offering which the Bene Israel describe as a dish offered in the name of God, accompanied by an invocation for the presence and blessings of the Prophet Elijah.ÊThis ceremony is also known as the Eliyahu-ha-navi ceremony. The ceremony includes recitation of specific Hebrew verses.ÊThe pizmon-Eliyahu-ha-navi is first read followed by several different blessings quoted from the Bible, the first of which begins with the Hebrew words vayiten-lecha.ÊThe verse Hamalach Hagoel is read thrice and then the readings conclude with Psalm 121. A minyan is not required for this ceremony and a cantor may or may not be present to lead this ceremony. The Bene Israel offering usually consists of a mixture of so-called beaten rice, grated fresh coconuts, raisins, cardamom, sugar, and five different kinds of fresh fruits.Ê All this is nicely arranged together on a large platter. Ê Occasions for which the malida ceremony is always performed are: before the start of the preparation for a wedding; a house warming ceremony; in times of illness or of other difficulties or crisis; whenever there is reason to express deep gratitude; the evening following a circumcision; on the holiday of Tu be shvat. The actual origins of the Bene Israel Malida ceremony however remains a mystery. (B, packed lunch)

Bombay - Day 5
Visit to ORT with Kosher lunch. We visit two Jewish schools operated by ORT. We first go to the Mazgaon School, which we tour and then meet with the school administrators. Our next stop is the ORT school in Worli. Here also we get a brief introduction to the school, and have lunch. Afterwards visit several other synagogues with Mr Benjamin Issac, time permitting. (B,L)

Cochin - Day 6
Fly to Cochin 9W 403 (1120/1405) Taj Malabar (B,D)
An ancient harbor town, Cochin reflects the influence of the many foreign traders who visited the city. After check-in, we walk in the heritage zone, which has preserved the original architecture of the city. We visit St FrancisÕs Church and the Chinese fishing nets, which line the mouth of Cochin harbor.

In the evening we attend a Kathakali performance. Kathakali is a classical dance form that has its origins in Theyyam a ritual tribal dance of north Kerala and Kalaripayyattu the martial arts which goes back 1000 years. The dancers use dramatic costumes and exaggerated facial make up, and to accompaniment of drums and cymbals, use stylized movements to relate episodes from the Mahabharat and Ramayan. We arrive early at the theatre to watch the dancers apply the elaborate make-up and prepare for their performance. (B,D)

Cochin - Day 7
In the morning, we visit the Jewish Community and the beautiful Pardesi Synagogue. This Synagogue was built by Samuel Castiel, David Belila, Ephrahim Sala and stands on the grounds of the Maharaja of CochinÕs residence. It is the first synagogue in India, and one of the oldest in the world. Near the synagogue is an interesting market selling spices, and antiques, bursting with activity and variety. We spend time in the markets and walk to the Mattancherry Palace, which was commissioned by the Portuguese for the raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights. The palace is two storeys high and is built in the traditional Kerala style known as nalukattu (four buildings). The palace exhibits memorabilia from the raja of KochiÕ collection, but it is best known for its outstanding murals painted on the wooden walls. The royal bedroom has ceilings and walls covered with forty-five 16th century paintings illustrating the Ramayana. Afternoon sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. (B,D)

Calcutta - Day 8
Relaxed independent morning in Cochin. Fly to Chennai 9W492 (1440/1540), connect to 9W 841 (1655/1900) to Calcutta. Transfer to Park Hotel

Calcutta - Day 9
The City Of Joy, Kolkatta. Formally called Calcutta, it is the capital of West Bengal. At one time, Calcutta was the proud intellectual and cultural capital of India. Its inhabitants made outstanding contributions to art, medicine, science and social reform.

After a relaxed orientation over brunch with member from the Jewish Council of Calcutta, we first visit the Neveh Shalome Synagogue, established in 1825, the first Synagogue in Kolkatta. Our next stop is the Magen David Synagogue, built by Mr. Elias David Joseph Esra in memory of his father Mr. David Joseph Esra. It is a charming walk to this synagogue.

Today we have lunch with some of the Jewish people of Kolkatta. After lunch, we stop by the Nahoum Bakery, owned by a Jewish family. Evening service at Magen David Synagogue at XXX pm. (20 minutes walk from hotel) (breakfast and dinner at Aheli which serves Bengali cuisine)

Calcutta - Day 10
Optional morning services at Magen David Synagogue. Afterwards socialize with the members of the synagogue. Return to the hotel for lunch.

For those observing Shabbat: afternoon discussions with Stephen.

For those not observing Shabbat: visits to Indian cultural sights of interest including the Dakshineswar Kali temple built in 1847. It has 12 smaller temples in the courtyard dedicated to Shiva, Radha and Krishna; south of the temple is Kumartuli, the home of the kumars or potters who all year round preparing clay images for pujas and festivals. Kali, the patron goddess of Calcutta, usually seen in her blood thirsty form, garlanded with skulls; from this bastion of Hinduism we head to the bastion of colonialism and visit the Victoria Memorial, the white marble monument to Queen Victoria. Designed in Italian Renaissance Mughal style; St PaulÕs Cathedral is the original metropolitan church of British India completed in 1847; and Sishu Bhavan, one of Mother TheresaÕs many homes for the underprivileged. (B,D)

Calcutta - Day 11
Driving to North Calcutta, the crowded streets are lined with the beautiful but crumbling homes of the wealthy Bengali landowners. Our destination is one such house, The Marble Palace. Boasting 99 different varieties of marble, the house has an extraordinary collection of paintings, some of great value. Indifferently maintained, it is difficult to spot the masterpieces. Further on our path leads us to the University of Performing Art, which has a small but charming museum dedicated to the poet laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, BengalÕs favorite son. From here we head into the intellectual quarters of the city Ð College Street, where a cup of coffee inthe Coffee House and a walk along the streets can be very rewarding.

Aizwal - Day 12
Fly to Aizwal CD 7212 (1310/1340) Chatlang Tourist Lodge. (B,L,D) We arrive in the capital of Mizoram, Aizwal, the residency of a small group of people who have been practicing Judaism for more than 25 years. These people in fact have returned to the religion of their ancestors and call themselves Benei Menashe, or the descendants of the Tribe of Menashe, one of the lost tribes. Today Mr. Haokip will introduce us to members of the Jewish community so that we may learn more, first hand, about their practices. Evening is left to stroll in the Bara Bazaar and admire the handicrafts of Aizwal and the vibrant colored fabric that they weave.

Manipur

Aizwal- Day 13
Today we visit the two synagogues in Aizwal and talk to the elders of the Jewish community there. (B,L,D)

Calcutta - home - Day 14
Fly to Calcutta CD 7211 (1410/1505). (B,D)
Dinner at hotel. Late night transfer to international airport for flight home

Price: $3835 per person, dble occ (based on min 10 people)

Single room supplement: $1125

Plus air supplement: $798 (subject to change)
Bombay/Cochin/Chennai/Calcutta/Aizwal,/Calcutta

Package Includes:

Accommodations (dble occupancy)
Daily breakfast + lunch or dinner as specified in itinerary
All land transportation by ac van
Special Escort: Stephen Epstein
Special Guides: Mr. Benjamin Issac and Mr. Lemuel Henkhogin Haokip
Professional Local Guides
Entrance Fees to monuments

.Package Does Not Include

International Air
Insurance
Departure Tax
Tips
Personal expenses such as phone, laundry

International Air: We offer discounted group prices for the international flight.

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