It was in 1969-1970 that the Indian Jews started trickling in Rosh HaAyin, a town that was once populated by Yemenite Jews only. There was no synagogue where the Indian Jews could really pray the way they were used to back in India. The early immigrants from India attended the prayers in synagogues setup by the Yemenite Jews. It was not to the taste of our community.
Requests were made to the local council to offer a site where the Indian community can set up their own synagogue. Finally, two weeks prior to Rosh HaShanna in 1974 permission was granted to construct a shed for the synagogue. Within a few days the construction was complete with the help of every member of the local Indian Jewish community who toiled hard voluntarily. The work was complete just a day before Rosh HaShanna eve i.e. on 29th Elul
5734 (15th September 1974).
| Address |
Kehilat Bene Israel,
Rosh Ha'Ayin |
| Contact Number |
|
| Timings |
|
| Committee |
| Chairman |
Mr. Raymond Sasoonkar |
| Secretary |
Mr. Ruel Garsulkar |
| Treasurer |
Mr. Yaacov Bension |
Since 1970 until 1974, Late Ezekiel Sasoonkar, Late Shmuel Pen, George Reuben, Pinhas Garsulkar and Raymond Sasoonkar with the help of other Indian community members organised festival prayers at the local Bene Akiva Hall.
Just two weeks before the New Year in 1974 the council of Rosh HaAyin gave permission to construct the synagogue. Within a few days the shed was constructed with the flooring with the kind help of local Indian Jewish Community. All the assistance was voluntary which was complete just a day before the Rosh HaShanna eve. The synagogue was inaugurated on (29th Elul) 4th September 1974. Several names were recommended by Mr. Yehezikel Sasoonkar before the community. Finally the synagogue was named SHA'ARE TSEDEK meaning "Gate of Justice" by consensus. Every year on this day 'Malida' ceremony is held which is attended by the Indian Jews in a large number.
Attached to this synagogue is a spacious hall where family functions like 'mehendi' & 'malida' as well as social functions are held. This is a site where the community members come together and share their joy. The committee takes lead in organizing a lot of extra-curricular activities like trips to historic and religious places, excursions for fun, cultural programs.
The Sefer Torah had become quite old, so in the year 1998 it was decided to write a new Sefer Torah. Every community member donated a portion of the Holy Torah. This Sefer Torah which is read until this day is written by Rabbi Shmuel Tal from Kiryat Gat.
The Silver Jubilee of the synagogue was held with great pomp and show at the Matsda Hall, Rosh HaAyin which was attended by a large number of Indian Jewish community members from far and near. The Member of Knesseth Mr. Ithan Cabel, the then Deputy Ambassador of India in Israel, ex-Mayor of Rosh HaAyin Igan Yosef, the local Head of Religious Council Rabbi Azaria Basis, Rabbi Yosef Melmad presided over the function.
Since 1974 till this date Mr. Moshe Kurgaonkar is working as a Hazan for the synagogue. Mr. Raymond Sasoonkar and Mr. Aharon Sasoonkar lead the prayers during the festivals. For the past couple of years Mr. Ofer Nawgawkar blows the Shofar. Those who attend the prayers are reminded of the sweet melodies that the Indian Jews are accustomed to hear. Mr. Raymond Sasoonkar takes keen interest in teaching the prayers in original Indian tunes to the young generation and also prepares them for Bar Mitsvah ceremony.
In the year 2004, the 30th anniversary was celebrated when a booklet was released on the history of the Shaare Tsedek Synagogue and also the lane on which this synagogue is situated was renamed to Kehilat Bene Israel in presence of the then Indian Ambassador to Israel Mr. Raminder Singh and the Mayor of Rosh HaAyin Mr. Moshe Sinai. Mr. Sinai has a soft corner of the local Indian Jewish Community and makes it a point to join them on Simhat Torah without fail.
