Kochi: On Tuesday, a large piece of an ancient, non-operational black Jewish synagogue in Kochi fell due to heavy rain.
It was previously known as ‘Karutha Palli’ (Synagogue of Black Jews) or Kadavumbagam Synagogue, and it serviced the Malabari Jews. It is located at Marakkadavu in Mattancherry, a little distance away from Mattancherry’s famous Paradesi synagogue.
The White Jews, also known as Paradise Jews from Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, were regarded as the upper class, with full membership in the synagogue and the freedom to worship. The settlers from Kochi were Black Jews. They were permitted to worship, but not to become full members.
Source: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2019/09/10/jewish-synagogue-black-jews-kerala-collapses.html
