The covers are off: Inside Kala Ghoda's restored 'blue' synagogue
The reopened Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, built in 1884, allows non-Jews to participate in prayer too, but upon ID verification since it is under a terror threat
The Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue is a significant place of worship for Mumbai’s Baghdadi and Bene Israeli Jewish communities. The restoration project, worth a total of about Rs 5 crore, was majorly funded by conglomerate JSW Group. Lambah says it took 10 years to find a willing sponsor, a fate many non-governmental buildings face.
The architecture boasts a large triangular pediment crowning the western façade. This sits over a semi-circular window arrangement with three unique stained-glass panels, flanked by fluted Corinthian columns.
Victorian chandeliers are seen suspended across the synagogue—most of the lighting is original, with a little restoration work undertaken.
The prayer hall space has high ceilings, large windows and operable louvered shutters. The hall is arranged in an east-to-west orientation, such that the Ark or ornamental closet, which contains the holy Torah scrolls, faces west towards Jerusalem.
Workers put finishing touches on the project, which required roof repairs, terrace water proofing and various forms of structural maintenance. Lambah’s team peeled back layers and layers of oil paint to reveal the original sage-green colour palette, which has now been restored.
The central podium is surrounded by several wooden benches, and separate seating for men and women is available in galleries upstairs. The floor is set in Minton tiles originally imported from Stoke-on-Trent in England. Bharat Flooring and Tiles replicated this design for the ground floor.
Many religious symbols were found obscured, stencilled in bands on the walls—grape vines, citron fruit and the Star of David, for instance—and have been restored. The interior design has elements similar to other iconic Mumbai buildings built around the time, such as the BMC headquarters and the Bhau Daji Lad Museum.
