12/07/2026
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India’s Ancient Jewish Communities
Did you know that India has been home to Jewish communities for over 2,000 years?
Many historians believe the first Jews arrived on India’s southwestern coast after the destruction of the First Temple (around 586 BC), with additional waves following the fall of the Second Temple in 70 AD. What makes India unique is that Jewish communities lived there for centuries without widespread antisemitism, often as respected and integrated members of society.
Here’s a glimpse into these remarkable communities:
👉 Jews of Kerala (Cochin Jews)
One of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. Jewish life in southern India is documented for over a thousand years, with synagogues and continuous tradition. Some accounts trace their origins much earlier, linking them to ancient trade networks as far back as the time of King Solomon.
👉 Bene Israel (Jews of Mumbai and the Konkan Coast)
One of the largest and most established Jewish communities in India. According to tradition, their ancestors were shipwrecked on the western coast over 2,000 years ago. Despite long isolation, they preserved core Jewish practices like Shabbat, circumcision, and dietary laws.
👉 Jews of Northeast India (Bnei Menashe)
A unique community that identifies as descendants of the Tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. In recent decades, many have formally returned to Judaism and made aliyah to Israel.
👉 Sephardic Jews under Portuguese rule
After the expulsions from Spain and Portugal in the late 1400s, some Jews arrived in India. In Portuguese-controlled areas like Goa, they faced the Inquisition, while in other regions they lived more freely.
👉 Jews of Kolkata (Baghdadi Jews)
Arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries from Iraq and other parts of the Middle East. They became prominent traders and built impressive synagogues that still stand today.
👉 Bene Ephraim (Telugu Jews)
A smaller community in southern India that claims descent from the Tribe of Ephraim. In recent years, they have revived Hebrew and reconnected with Jewish tradition.
We as Jews are deeply grateful to the people of India for giving our ancestors refuge, respect, and a place to live in peace. That is not forgotten. Thank you.
🇮🇱 The Nation of Israel Lives
