The Bene Israeli’s of India started immigrated to Israel in 1950. Immigrants settled throughout the country from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat. In 1960’s number of families moved to Haifa and neighboring places.

Until 1988, the Indian Jewish Community did not have a synagogue of their own and the festival prayers were held in the Council Hall, Haifa. There was always a hope in hearts of the community members, that one day they will have their own place for worship. The Haifa Indian Jewish community was finally offered a 950 sq. mt. of land to construct the prayer hall and community centre in a very ideal location, not far from the cave of Prophet Eliyahoo.

The cornerstone placing ceremony was held on 2nd February 1988 in presence of honorable guests such as the then Mayor, the Chief Rabbi of Haifa among others. The construction work lasted for several years due to lack of sufficient funding. A large portion of construction cost was contributed by the local Indian Jewish community. Donations were also received from Indian Jewish community all over the country. Volunteers worked tirelessly to make this dream come true. Several cultural activities were organised to raise the required funds. The local government institutions also made their contribution. After crossing several hurdles finally in 1993, the construction work was complete and the centre was open for its regular activities in 1994.

The Sha'are Rahamim Prayer Hall and Community Centre for Indian Jews in Israel is housed in a grand three-storey building on HaRav Raphael EnKoveh Street in Springzak neighbourhood in Haifa. It is located near the Cave of Prophet Elijah, Mount Carmel. This place is of spiritual and religious importance to the Indian Jewish community.

The aim of setting up this center is to integrate the prayer hall with cultural values, traditions and customs of Indian Jews. The payer hall has been named after the first Bene Israel synagogue that was built in the year 1796 by Samuel Ezekiel Divekar in Mumbai.

Address	HaRav Raphael Enkaveh Street 7, Haifa 31459
Contact Number	04-8314783
Timings
Committee
Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Hazan

The building has been constructed on 450 sq. m. of area that includes a shelter, hall with women’s gallery on the first floor and two additional rooms on the second floor. On Shabbat and festivals prayers are held in the hall. On regular days various social, cultural and religious activities are held which is attended by a large number of community members. The congregation, which has existed since 1988, consists of a warm, compassionate, vibrant, spirited and participatory “Bene Israel” Indian Jewish community. They come together just like an extended family and feel a strong sense of belonging.

In one of the rooms on the second floor is a library with a large collection of books on Jewish customs and religion in Marathi, English, Hindi and Hebrew languages. The library is open for public to refer these invaluable books and is worth paying visit to it. The other room is devoted to preserve the Indian heritage and the unique customs and traditions of Indian Jewish community. Several items, donated by the Indian Jewish community members are on display which includes books on history of Bene Israel of India and anthropology, used prayer books, clothes that were normally worn by our ancestors in India, songs on audio cassettes and photographs.

Prayers are held every Shabbath and festivals. Several activities are organized all the year round, including lectures on interesting topics, social and cultural programs, tours and other religious celebrations. Members of the Indian Jewish community, in large number, attend these events. They come from near and far. The congregation, which has existed since 1988, consists of a warm, compassionate, vibrant, spirited and participatory "Bene Israeli" Indian Jewish community. It is just like an extended family with a strong sense of belonging.

The social and religious activities are financed by Ministry of Education Culture and Sports, donations and annual membership fee. Occasional financial support by Haifa Municipality and the Ministry of Religious Affairs is also worth mentioning. The volunteers also make their contribution whole heartedly in whatever way possible. The Sha'are Rahamim congregation is grateful to the Indian Embassy in Israel for its cultural co-operation and contribution.