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The "Shaare Rason" Synagogue
90, Tantanpura Street, Khadak, Mumbai 400 009
The "Shaare Rason" Synagogue was conceptualized and the Foundation Stone thereof was laid in the year 1840, by Late Mr. Samuel Jacob Divekar along with Late Mr. Haaem Isaji Garsulakar by collecting a sum of Indian Rupees 2725/-. The synagogue was then constructed on 4th June 1843.
The "Shaare Rason" Synagogue was build as a result of difference in opinion within the management of the Shaar Harahamim Synagogue (also known as the Gate of Mercy Synagogue) situated at Samuel Street, Masjid Bunder, Mumbai. A splinter group wanted to construct a separate synagogue at this location within the proximity of the Jewish colony which to this day is known as Israel Moholla (meaning a Jewish neighborhood). The newly built Shaare Rason Synagogue came to be known as the "New Synagogue" while the Shaar Harahamim Synagogue was identified as the "Old Synagogue". Shaare Rason, the second oldest Bene Israel Synagogue in India, has stood the test of time for more than a century and even today follows the orthodox order of Judaism.
The "Shaare Rason" Synagogue has had a good fortune of having outstanding scholars on Judaism such as Late Mr. Isaiah Isaac Shapurkar and Late Mr. Menahim Shalom Shapukar. These scholars were associated with the synagogue's management and guided the community on Judaism, religiuos customs and rituals.
The Synagogue was however at its peak during the 1960s and 1970s under the leadership of the then President, Late Mr. David Judah Samuel Pugavkar, a prominent leader of the Jewish community, an outstanding Hebrew Reader and a Religious Stalwart. He participated in various debates and discussions at international Jewish forums to asserts the right of Bene Israel Jewish Community. The Bene Israels retained their Jewish identity for centuries and did not allow their faith to be diluted. Through the passage of time and as a result of social assimilation within the local communities in India The Bene Issraels did not forget among other rituals, the "Shema", "Kashrut", "Shabbath" and "Brith-Milah".
Over the subsequent decades, the Synagogue experienced difficult times due to financial constraint resulting in lack of upkeep of the Synagogue, which led to its mismanagement. However during the period, regular prayer services remained uninterrupted and due to dedicated service of the cantor Hon. Hazzan David Jeremiah Michael Nagawkar since March 1983.
In the year 2014, a new Board of Trustee were elected under the leadership of the President Mr. Judah David Samuel Pugavkar, and aptly supported by Mrs. Sinora Yeheal Samuel Kolatkar. Funds were collected from donors in India and abroad and from persons of all faith. The Synagogue building has since been restored, its roof repaired and strengthened without changing the character of its structure, thus maintaining its heritage status.
The Shaare Rason Synagogue now has a new golden look from the inside with a refurbished teak wood antique Hekhal. The faced around the Hekhal has been retiled with stone and entire floor has been redone.
The Re-Dedication Ceremony of the "Shaare Rason" Synagogue was held on 23rd August 2015.
Sinora Yeheal Samuel Kolatkar
Hon. Manager
Judah David Samuel Pugavkar