Did You Know That Jews Living In Bombay Had A Special Bus & Tram Pass?

Mumbai has been home to Jews for more than 500 years, although the earliest records of their presence go back to the early 16th century. The Portuguese rulers of Bombay at the time embraced Jews and gave them special rights that let them practise their faith freely. Edwina Grodzinski is an Iraqi Jew born and raised in Bombay (now Mumbai). In a conversation with Ciara from @mizrahistory on Instagram, Edwina talks about a special bus and tram pass that Jews could buy in Mumbai. 

Edwina’s Special Bus & Tram Pass

Edwina’s family had been in Bombay since 1785. Although they’ve all left now, she remembers her time in Bombay because of how welcoming the city had been. She shows Ciara a bus and tram ticket that she has still kept carefully. Jewish law requires the Jews to not use any money on Saturday, which is Shabbat day. Along with this, they are not permitted to use money or pay for things on other holy days as well.

For this instance, the B.E.S.T had this special pass issued only for people of the Jewish faith. It was a coupon that cost one anna. This was done to ensure that they could travel to the synagogue on Saturdays and Jewish holidays without breaking the Sabbath. Edwina mentions how she has not seen something quite so extraordinary anywhere else in the world. 

The authorities in the city did everything to make the Jews as comfortable as they could. They felt loved and welcomed in the city. The authorities also made sure that they could observe their religion as best as they could, according to Edwina. 

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Does Mumbai Still Have A Thriving Jewish Community?

For ages, Jews have played a significant role in Mumbai’s history, and they have made several contributions to the city. Jews in Mumbai have worked in a wide range of fields over the years, including banking, law, medicine, trade and commerce, and more. By working on building projects like roads and bridges, many Jewish immigrants also contributed to the creation of the contemporary cityscape. Through these endeavours, they contributed to the development of Mumbai’s economy and culture by introducing diverse viewpoints from around the globe.

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Mumbai’s Jewish community is thriving and diverse even today. Even though the population has decreased to about 4,000 from its 1948 peak of over 20,000, the community is still deeply ingrained in the history and culture of the city.

Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons & @themizrahistory/ Instagram