SHA'AR HARAHAMIM (Gate of Mercy) SYNGOGUE,
Israel Mohalla, Mandvi

The erecting of “Sha'ar Harahamim” Synagogue in Bombay, as well as in Western India, took place in the Mandvi neighboured, where the Bene Israel settled during the 18th-19th centuries, as a small but thriving Jewish community.

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The Synagogue was built at Samuel Street in 1796, by Samaji Hassaji Divekar, also known as Samuel Ezekiel, an officer in the armed forces of the “East India Company”. Due to the growth of its members, a larger structure was built in 1860, on top of the ruins of the old edifice. The building was commenced in January 1859, and completed on the 24th of March 1860.

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A few decades later, on the 13th of May 1896, the community celebrated, with great grace and elegance the centennial Jubilee commemorating the establishment of the Synagogue. On that occasion the name of the Synagogue was changed to “Sha’ar Harahamim”.

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Despite a fall in numbers, the Synagogue still maintains active services and serves a congregation of about a hundred members daily. The synagogue is also featured on heritage and religious tours of the city.