Magen David Synagogue, Renaissance Revival synagogue in Kolkata, India
The Magen David Synagogue stands at the junction of Brabourne Road and Canning Street, built in Italian Renaissance style with a brick red finish. Its red and yellow facade has a tall banded spire with a clock face, arched windows on two levels, and a central entrance framed by a yellow arch and columns. An arched door bearing the Star of David and a Hebrew inscription leads inside.
The synagogue was built in 1884 by Elias David Ezra to honor his father David Joseph Ezra. This construction reflects the presence of Baghdadi Jewish traders who had settled in India and established their religious institutions.
The synagogue's name means "Shield of David". Its ark sits in an apse whose star-studded half dome stands for the heavens, with the Ten Commandments on a plaque above. Memorial plaques on the side walls honour Jewish figures of Kolkata, and the bimah occupies the centre of the hall.
The synagogue stands at the junction of Brabourne Road and Canning Street, with its entrance set behind makeshift stalls selling hairclips and trinkets. A permission from Nahoum's, the Jewish bakery in New Market, is required to visit the synagogues of Kolkata, so arrange it beforehand. Magen David and the neighbouring Neveh Shalome are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The interior features a raised bimah for Torah readings and separate upper balconies reserved for women during religious ceremonies. This arrangement preserves traditional Jewish worship practices within the space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,848 contributors worldwide.
