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Major portion of synagogue collapses due to rain in Kerala

A major portion of an ancient, non-operational synagogue of 'black' Jews, 'Karutha Palli' collapsed due to heavy rain in Kochi on Tuesday.

Major portion of synagogue collapses due to rain
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Published : Sep 10, 2019, 11:35 PM IST

Updated : Sep 10, 2019, 11:58 PM IST

Kochi (Kerala): A major portion of an ancient, non-operational synagogue of 'black' Jews collapsed due to heavy rain, here on Tuesday.

The structure known as 'Karutha palli' (synagogue of black Jews) constructed some centuries back was considered as a symbol of racism that existed among Jews - the Paradesi Jews (white Jews) and the native Jews (black Jews) - in Kerala.

The place of worship was located at Marakkadavu in Mattancherry, a short distance away from Mattancherry's famous 'Paradesi' synagogue.

Major portion of synagogue collapses due to rain in Kerala

The synagogue of black Jews was in a ruined state and it had been non-operational for worship for quite some time.

Its front portion collapsed in the morning due to continuous rains.

The interiors of some of the ruined synagogues in Kerala were moved to Israel, restored and displayed in a museum there.

Only the 'Paradesi' synagogue in Mattancherry still functions as a synagogue.

The synagogue is open every day except Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays.

Also Read: Bhima Koregaon case: Pune cops raid DU professor's residence in Noida

Kochi (Kerala): A major portion of an ancient, non-operational synagogue of 'black' Jews collapsed due to heavy rain, here on Tuesday.

The structure known as 'Karutha palli' (synagogue of black Jews) constructed some centuries back was considered as a symbol of racism that existed among Jews - the Paradesi Jews (white Jews) and the native Jews (black Jews) - in Kerala.

The place of worship was located at Marakkadavu in Mattancherry, a short distance away from Mattancherry's famous 'Paradesi' synagogue.

Major portion of synagogue collapses due to rain in Kerala

The synagogue of black Jews was in a ruined state and it had been non-operational for worship for quite some time.

Its front portion collapsed in the morning due to continuous rains.

The interiors of some of the ruined synagogues in Kerala were moved to Israel, restored and displayed in a museum there.

Only the 'Paradesi' synagogue in Mattancherry still functions as a synagogue.

The synagogue is open every day except Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays.

Also Read: Bhima Koregaon case: Pune cops raid DU professor's residence in Noida

Intro:Body:

Black Synagogue in Mattancherry collapses in rain



Kochi: The Black Synagogue in Mattancherry here, that has a vital role in the Jewish history of Kerala, collapsed in heavy rain on Tuesday.



The building was not maintained for ages and one portion of the same collapsed around noon. Also known as Paradesi Synagogue, it was the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.



The centuries-old Black Synagogue was built for the native Jews. However, prayers were not held here for many years. The synagogue was owned by private persons and was even used as a godown.



The local residents told  that people had taken away the dome and other parts of the synagogue. Though the government had stated that they will take care of the synagogue, no action was taken, the locals added. 


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Last Updated : Sep 10, 2019, 11:58 PM IST

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