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| location = {{Flagicon|IND}} [[Ahmedabad]]
| location = {{Flagicon|IND}} [[Ahmedabad]]
| geo =
| geo =
| latitude =
| latitude = 23*01'19.24"N
| longitude =
| longitude = 72*35'02.33"E
| religious_affiliation = [[Orthodox Judaism]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Orthodox Judaism]]
| rite = [[Sephardic Judaism|Sephardic]]
| rite = [[Sephardic Judaism|Sephardic]]

Revision as of 12:10, 28 March 2015

Magen Abraham Synagogue
בית הכנסת מגן אברהם
Street view of synagogue exterior
Religion
AffiliationOrthodox Judaism
DistrictAhmedabad district
ProvinceGujarat
RiteSephardic
Year consecrated1934
StatusActive
Location
LocationIndia Ahmedabad
Website
MagenAbraham.20m.com

Magen Abraham Synagogue is the only synagogue of Gujarat state situated in Ahmedabad, India. It was built in 1934 using donations from members of the Bene Israel Jewish community throughout Gujarat state. Members travel from great distances for the High Holy Days to here.

Architecture

The synagogue is built in the Art deco style with marble chequered floors and a large ark. The furniture consists of movable pews arranged around a central Bimah. The Ark contains multiple Torahs of many sizes and in hard cases. The women's balcony is unusual (as compared to other synagogues in India) in that it is not supported by pillars. The Synagogue is located within the old fort of Ahmedabad and stands across the street from a Parsee Fire Temple.

Community

The Jewish community in Ahmedabad has shrunk considerably in the past few decades with many families emigrating to Israel, the United States and Europe. Members of the community have been prominent in the Educational field in Ahmedabad. Notable institutions include the Nelson's group of schools, the Best School and many others. The Nelson's group also includes an International school which follows the standards of the University of Cambridge International Examinations.

Culture

The synagogue has a small but still active community. The communal celebration of Pesah (Passover) still takes place and High Holy Days are observed annually.

References