In European history, Jews are the most important race. Though they originated in ancient Israel (from Hebrew people), they were unable to establish their own country until the United Nations Organization formed Israel in 1945. As a result, Jews were distributed all over the world until then, and as a result, they arrived in India, forming a larger Jewish community similar to the Jewish diaspora in Israel and the United States. Growing Up Jewish in India is a new book that provides a historical history of India’s major Jewish communities, synagogues, and unique Indian Jewish customs.
The book investigates how Indian Jews maintained their unique features as Jews while also becoming effectively integrated into the greater community of India as Indians, and gives a synthesis of cultural qualities wherever they inhabit, with text and over 150 photos. It also discusses Siona Benjamin’s unusual transcultural art, which she created after growing up in Mumbai’s Bene Israel community before moving to the United States and producing work that represents a wide range of Indian, Jewish, and other influences. In truth, the book is a memoir of growing up Jewish in India, including pieces about Siona’s Fulbright work in India and Israel, as well as other works. For readers interested in history, art, religion, and culture around the world, it provides a depiction of a distinct slice of the Indian world.
Source: https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2021/08/29/features/growing-jewish-india
