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/ India News / 2007 / September 2007 / September 14, 2007 Mumbais Jews commence New Year celebrations |
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The Jewish community in Mumbai has started its New Year Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
Mumbai, Sept. 14 : The Jewish community in Mumbai has started its New Year 'Rosh Hashanah' celebrations.
Members of the community gathered at a synagogue to offer prayers. The New Year celebrations consist of elaborate feasts organised by Jewish families.
"Every 15 days or so, whenever I get a chance I come. During this period, we pray in our house, have wine and good food," said Dina Izek.
The celebrations end on September 22 with 'Yom Kippur', the day of fasting and atonement.
The Jewish population in India has reduced from a peak of about 80,000 a few decades ago to a little over 5,000 families. Out of which 500 reside in Mumbai. Most of Jews have moved to Israel for a better life.
Judaism reached India 2,000 years ago.
Extensive DNA testing has found that the Bene Israelis living in and around Mumbai, are direct descendants of a hereditary Israelite priesthood that can be traced back 3,000 years to Moses' brother, Aaron.
Around 175 B.C., a boatload of Jews fleeing persecution were shipwrecked off India's west coast, a few kilometres from Alibag.
Only a few men and women survived to establish a community.
ANI
