Yes, MJ, we too did find the synagogue closed when we visited there. However, we assumed it was because of it being the weekend.

When I was there the synagogue would certainly be open on Saturday because there were still services. I do not know whether it is still an active synagogue. At least some of the Jews of Cochin migrated to Israel.

Much of the synagogue building can be dated to the 16th century and has to do with the Dutch in Cochin. But there are records of a Jewish community in Cochin from the time of the Roman Empire.

There were (are?) other Jewish communities in India, and some people have said that India is the only country in the world with no tradition of antisemitism. I have no idea if this is true, but it is an interesting idea. And I do know that there are at least a few recent books dealing with Jews and Judaism in India.

My approach when a religious building is closed is to sit around for a while and see if any kids show up. Promise the kids money for an ice cream if they can can find the guy in charge and tell him there is a visitor. Sometimes this approach works!

Have done a lot of study on this community. If it was Friday or Saturday, synagogue would be closed. Otherwise should be open.

When we visited it was open, and there was a notice that specified the worship times when it would be closed to visitors. I'm sure this information should be available on the net.

That is exactly what I saw on the net. But, not sure it was current. Sure we will get in.

Rearranged tour so that could be there when open.

This morning, I was gifted a book I have been after for quite a while: "The Last Jews of Kerala" by Edna Fernandes, Portobello Books.

We had been unable to track it down in India, so my husband tracked it down in London and got a copy back for me from there.

GBP 16.99.

Hello again:

You might want to know that this book is on Amazon.com...After I saw your post, I looked there. They have quite a number of both new and used. Soft and Hard cover. I think I will see if it is in my local public library as well. We can access the entire county library from here. If it is, I will get it and read it. If not, I will buy it from Amazon. This kind of information should make our trip even more meaningful.

Evelyn

On another topic, can you tell us anything about the spice coast tour boats, do they have electricity or solar power? also what do they do about mosquitos.

looking forward to cochi synagogue.

evelyn