BETH EL SYNAGOUGE - PANVEL

Beth El Synagogue, located north of the Raigad District, is one of the oldest Bene Israel Synagogues in the District. The building is a modest structure located on the main square of the town. Prior to the erection of the Synagogue, congregation prayers were held in the house of Aaron Elijah Navgavkar.    Later, David Sankar gave his house for the same purpose.

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On the arrival of Hacham Shellomo Salem Shurabi, it was decided to erect an edifice for a Synagogue by raising subscriptions from its members. The land and grounds were granted by Joseph David, and the inauguration ceremony and dedication of the Synagogue was held on the 17th of May, 1849, on which day the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (Pentecost)was also celebrated. At the time, 250 Jewish families were living in and around the area of Panvel.

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A wall surrounds the Synagogue premises with bright blue metal doors and a ‘Star of David’ at the centre, allowing entry to an enclosed hall. Adjacent to the gate and in front of the building’s porch is an exterior staircase that leads up to a pair of doors providing access to the upper level. These doors open into a women’s gallery along the east elevation of the Synagogue.

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