Kerala Jewish Tour

25/10/2025

A thought while at Synagogue Lane Mattancherry early in the morning.

23/10/2025

First of the month of Cheshvan

http://keralajewtour.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-month-o-cheshvan.html

20/10/2025

18/10/2025

Kubaneh.
Yemenite Jewish Shabbath bread.

17/10/2025

A new beginning... Conclusion of a few weeks long festival at Mattancherry Synagogue.

13/10/2025

Seventh day of Sukkot.
If you are in Mattancherry, please don't miss this auspicious opportunity to take walk around our old Jew Town and know more about their customs and traditions.

13/10/2025

In Loving Memory of Haim Aharon (1947–2025)

Dear friends,

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Mr. Haim Aharon, who left us day before yesterday following a sudden heart failure. Born in Mala, Kerala, in 1947, he immigrated to Israel in 1954 at the age of seven and made his home in Mesilat Zion, where he lived a full and vibrant life.

Although 78, Haim remained active, energetic, and full of spirit. His sudden passing has come as a shock to all who knew and loved him.

Haim was born in a house located at the heart of Mala town — a building that now serves as the Mala Post Office. His bond with his birthplace remained unbroken throughout his life. Since 2012, he was deeply involved in the movement to protect the Jewish monuments of Mala, a cause close to his heart. He visited the Mala synagogue, cemetery, and other Jewish heritage sites in Kerala several times, accompanied by his beloved wife Noga, their three daughters, and grandchildren.

Haim played a pivotal role in organizing a group of Cochin Jews in Israel who stood in solidarity with the heritage protection efforts in Kerala, especially in Mala. He was instrumental in the initiative of Cochin Jews in Israel which resulted in the involvement of Indian Embassy in Israel that extended its support for the noble cause of protecting the Jewish monuments in Mala.

During his service in the local authority of Mesilat Zion, he ensured that the memory of his roots remained alive by naming two streets — Mala Street and Cochin Street —in Mesilat Zion a gesture that reflected his enduring love for his homeland.

Though the pandemic and worldwide lockdowns kept him away from Kerala in recent years, he had been planning a visit in the coming tourist season. For him, every return to Mala was not merely a journey — it was a pilgrimage of the heart.

We join his family and friends in mourning the loss of a true son of Mala, whose life bridged two lands and whose heart remained ever faithful to his origins.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

12/10/2025

Sixth day of Sukkot.
Holy day of the festival, the best time to take our Nehemia Mootha Mattancherry Jew Town Heritage Walk.

11/10/2025

Fifth day of the Sukkot Festival.
The day of Aaron - the peacemaker.
"May God bless you and keep you".
His famous blessing.

09/10/2025

Third day of the ongoing Sukkot Festival. The best time to take a Jewish heritage walk at Mattancherry.

14/09/2025

Synagogue Lane busy with walkers on a Sunday evening in September. The break month in monsoon when the sunshine pleasantly. The month is also the time the old sail ships will be getting ready to sail when the monsoon wind reverse and start blowing towards Africa.

07/09/2025

An Ethiopian Jew - Kes (Rabbi) in traditional Ethiopian dress in Jerusalem celebrating the Ethiopian Jewish festival called 'Siged'.
Siged is a day of renewing the commitment between community and G-d. 50 days after Yom Kippur, Beta-Israel (Ethiopian Jews) would gather and climb a high hill where Kes would read from the book of Orit. Upon returning to the village they would break their fast with a festive meal. Nowadays the ceremony is held in Jerusalem, overlooking the temple mount. Siged is considered a national holiday in Israel. All schools learn about Beta-Israel, their customs and their journey to Israel.