Here's Why Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, Mumbai’s Restored Treasure Demands Your Attention

Credits: World Monuments Fund/Website

Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue

[{"selector":"#anim-e0aba969-a651-44db-9eca-aadfa3b888ce [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.29687488651016%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, built in 1884, is the second-oldest Sephardic synagogue in Mumbai., built in 1884, is the second-oldest Sephardic synagogue in Mumbai. Credits: World Monuments Fund/Website

Design And Funding

[{"selector":"#anim-8b1c76c5-1315-40e0-a399-cc97e48d8385 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The synagogue was designed by British architects Gostling and Morris and funded by the prominent Sassoon family. Credits: World Monuments Fund/Website

Jewish Culture

[{"selector":"#anim-d3a713ec-a728-4957-8b28-835526dc05b2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.57812490642066%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] It is an iconic centre for Jewish cultural and religious life in Mumbai, blending Jewish traditions with Indian and Victorian influences. Credits: JSW/Website

Synagogue’s Interiors

[{"selector":"#anim-94fb9373-f261-492f-b3ad-1d8e4be09a3d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.29687488651016%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The synagogue’s interiors are notable for their Victorian stained glass windows and rich Burmese teakwood furnishings. Credits: World Monuments Fund/Website

Conservation Plan

[{"selector":"#anim-c6070778-f3d0-414c-962e-5a8847a20a3e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-36.36230447507599%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] In 2010, a comprehensive conservation plan was funded by the World Monuments Fund to restore its architectural integrity. Credits: World Monuments Fund/Website

Completed In 2019

[{"selector":"#anim-9bc97a9c-3d2a-4f74-bec7-b1bf53c2681d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.833582952531623%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Restoration work, including the repair of stained glass windows and decorative finishes, was completed in January 2019. Credits: World Monuments Fund/Website

Restoration Project

[{"selector":"#anim-58da1693-14c0-4d96-8e38-0a3d3c19b490 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-29.309702908569392%, 0, 0) translate(-16.33986928104575%, 11.199939604017224%) scale(1.326797385620915)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The restoration project was led by Mumbai-based architect Abha Narain Lambah, ensuring the preservation of its historic features. Credits: World Monuments Fund/Website

UNESCO Award

[{"selector":"#anim-c8619f9f-6f73-4c65-8ad7-af1a7ebecd7d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-17.12890605053948%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] In October 2019, the restoration of Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue was honoured with an Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

[{"selector":"#anim-a0975a51-a407-4537-8f48-646b5293e96a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.5312497423012745%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] When are you visiting the beautiful Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue? Credits: Wikimedia Commons