Les Juifs de Bombay—Bene Israël

The Bene Israel, distinct from the Baghdadi community established in Bombay in the nineteenth century, constitute one of the oldest components of Indian Judaism and claim a very ancient presence on the Konkan coast, south of Bombay. Long a village-dwelling community engaged notably in oil-pressing, they preserved certain Jewish observances while integrating into the local environment, and drew closer to normative Judaism through contact with the Jews of Cochin and then the Baghdadis, adopting Sephardic customs. During the British colonial era, many migrated to Bombay, where they distinguished themselves in the administration, the army and the professions, and built synagogues and institutions. After 1948, the great majority emigrated to Israel, leaving only a residual community.

Sources & resources

• Encyclopedia of Jews in the Islamic World — Brill
• Jewish Virtual Library ↗