'More woman leaders in synagogue can reform Kolkata Jewish community'

KOLKATA: During an interaction with students of Jewish history at Presidency University on Monday, American professor William Miles suggested that one way to expand and reform the dwindling Jewish community in Kolkata is by inducting more women in leadership roles in synagogues. Miles is visiting Kolkata as part of a research project that traces the historical linkages of the Jewish diaspora in Israel, Morocco and India.

"Among the five main Jewish denominations, ranging from traditional to progressive, the orthodox denominations prevalent in Kolkata maintains the need for a quorum of 10 men. Reformed denominations include the presence of women both in the quorum and as rabbis. I believe this can be replicated," said Miles, talking about a possible recourse to address the diminishing male population in a community comprising less than thirty, predominantly elderly individuals.

Members of the Jewish community believe that the reality in Kolkata is more complex in which on several occasions over the years, women from abroad have led the "minyan" or quorum in the three city synagogues. "As most of the remaining Jews are elderly, the community does not have 10 able-bodied men to lead the quorum. Since there is no formal religious apparatus, Jews in the city adapt to the present circumstances, keeping, as far as possible, the spirit of the law and traditions," said Jewish activist Jael Silliman.

Professor of Jewish history at Presidency University, Navras J Aafreedi, stressed the need for funds for every ethnic and religious community to showcase their own museums.

Talks of a Jewish history museum in Kolkata have been underway since 2016. "The idea was mooted when we were getting Beth El synagogue restored," said Aline Mordecai Cohen, secretary, Jewish community affairs in Kolkata. However, concerns over dampness, temperature and facilities for curators stalled the project.


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