JSW’s restoration & reconstruction project gains international recognition
Stories
10 October, 2019
The Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagouge was on the evening of the 13th of October recognized as a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO, during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage
Conservation in Penang, Malaysia.
The synagogue, the second oldest Sephardic synagogue in the city of Mumbai, re-opened its doors to worshipers
and the public in early February 2019 post a 20 month restoration effort. This historic monument designed by
Bombay architects Gostling and Morris in 1884 had over the years, started fading, due to lack of funds for
conservation.
In 2017, JSW Group, along with its teams of expert professionals and architects took the initiative to restore the
synagogue. This included structural and roof repairs as well as the restoration of the synagogue’s stunning
nineteenth-century stained glass windows. Today, this important place of worship for the Jewish community has been
returned to its original glory and for the first time, welcomes even the non-Jews to take part in the prayers.
After 20 months of relentless work, Mumbai's Blue Synagogue opened its doors to everyone of February 7th, 2019. This
historic monument is the second oldest Sephardic synagogue in the city, which was designed by Bombay architects Gostling
and Morris in 1884. Over the years, the iconic building and its decorative interiors had started fading, due to lack of
funds for conservation.
"I was told that no woman has ever stepped inside the prayer area from where I am speaking
today. It is a privilege that I got this opportunity"
Mrs. Sangita Jindal, Chairperson - JSW Foundation
About Mumbai’s Iconic Blue Synagogue
Built in the year 1884, Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue is a classical revival building. It was constructed by Jacob
Sassoon, the grandson of businessman-philanthropist David Sassoon, to augment prayer services for the
sub-community of Jews living in Mumbai. Its Neoclassic elements such as cast-iron columns, Minton-style tiles
and chandeliers as well as beautiful stained-glass windows were all imported from Stroke-on-Trent in England.
The city’s Baghdadi and Bene Israel Jewish communities, as well as Jews from countries outside of India, visit
the synagogue to pray as well as admire its notable Neoclassical and Gothic-Victorian architecture and features.
C Vidyasagar Rao
Governor of Maharashtra
“Girls, when given the opportunity, scale great heights. It is a privilege to note that this restoration work is the hard work and dedication of three women.”
Dr. Ron Malka
Israel’s Ambassador to India
“Many Jews moved to Israel from India, playing an important role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. I want to congratulate the Maharashtra Government for formally recognising the Jewish community.”
A Glorious Testimony of Mumbai's Oldest Structure: The Blue Synagogue.
