A day after holding talks with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the US Consul General in Chennai, Judith Ravin, met Governor Arif Mohammed Khan at the Government Guest House here on Friday.
The Governor apprised her of the rapid strides that Kerala had made in education, health, social welfare, and women’s empowerment and in upholding secularism.
Ms. Ravin lauded the services rendered by nurses from Kerala abroad.
Soon afterwards, she visited the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue tucked inside the Ernakulam Market. The 800-year-old structure, which was rebuilt in the 17th century, was last renovated in 2018.
Ms. Ravin was received at the Synagogue – one of the six Jewish places of worship in Kerala – by Elias Josephai, its managing trustee. “She was curious to know the history of the Synagogue and Jews who lived in Kerala, during her visit that lasted over 90 minutes,” he said.
He narrated to her how individuals from various communities contributed in kind for the Synagogue’s renovation in 2018 and the lifestyle of Jews in Kochi. She was also apprised of the observance of Shabbat and Jewish festivals in Kochi, how marriages were celebrated, and the community’s contribution to the city. She lauded Mr. Josephai for upholding the community’s traditions, honouring the Day of Shabbat, and for taking care of the Synagogue as a living monument.
Swami Hariprasad of Vishnumohan Foundation, Chennai, who is a member of the Paliath family of Chendamangalam and helped renovate the Synagogue, gifted her with a menorah lamp, while Mr. Josephai presented her a framed picture of the Ten Commandments.
A day after holding talks with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the US Consul General in Chennai, Judith Ravin, met Governor Arif Mohammed Khan at the Government Guest House here on Friday. The Governor apprised her of the rapid strides that Kerala had made in education, health, social welfare, and women’s empowerment and in upholding secularism. Ms. Ravin lauded the services rendered by nurses from Kerala abroad. Soon afterwards, she visited the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue tucked inside the Ernakulam Market. The 800-year-old structure, which was rebuilt in the 17th century, was last renovated in 2018. Ms. Ravin was received at the Synagogue – one of the six Jewish places of worship in Kerala – by Elias Josephai, its managing trustee. “She was curious to know the history of the Synagogue and Jews who lived in Kerala, during her visit that lasted over 90 minutes,” he said. He narrated to her how individuals from various communities contributed in kind for the Synagogue’s renovation in 2018 and the lifestyle of Jews in Kochi. She was also apprised of the observance of Shabbat and Jewish festivals in Kochi, how marriages were celebrated, and the community’s contribution to the city. She lauded Mr. Josephai for upholding the community’s traditions, honouring the Day of Shabbat, and for taking care of the Synagogue as a living monument. Swami Hariprasad of Vishnumohan Foundation, Chennai, who is a member of the Paliath family of Chendamangalam and helped renovate the Synagogue, gifted her with a menorah lamp, while Mr. Josephai presented her a framed picture of the Ten Commandments.