Nehemiah ben Abraham Motha: A Spiritual Legacy That Transcends
Borders
Nehemiah ben Abraham Motha (also spelled Mota), also known as Namiah
Muthappan (“eldest with reverence”), was a 16th-century Jewish scholar, mystic,
poet, and kabbalist who lived in Mattancherry, Old Cochin. Born in Yemen,
though some sources speculate he may have been Italian or Polish, Nehemiah
eventually migrated to the historic port town of Cochin, where he became a
revered figure among the Jews of Kerala. He is remembered for his profound
religious contributions, his poetic works, and the spiritual aura that
continues to surround his name.
Nehemiah’s influence in Cochin remains palpable even today. The Kerala Jews
honor the anniversary of his death, which coincides with the first day of
Hanukkah, with a special banquet followed by the recitation of his hashkavah
(Sephardi memorial prayer). His religious significance, however, extends far
beyond the Jewish community. His tomb in the erstwhile Chakkamadam Jewish
Cemetery in Mattancherry serves as a site of pilgrimage, veneration, and solace
not only for Jews but also for Christians, Muslims, and Hindus. It functions as
a focal point for vows, a source of blessings, and a place of refuge during
times of distress.
His tomb, remarkably preserved while others in the cemetery have withered,
is a testament to his enduring spiritual legacy. The Hebrew inscription on his
tomb provides rare and valuable insights into his life, including mention of
his father, Rabbi Abraham Motha. The epitaph reads:
"Here rest the remains of the famous kabbalist,
The influence of the light of whose learning shines throughout the country,
The perfect sage, the hasid, and God-fearing Nehemiah, the son of
The dear rabbi and sage Abraham Motha.
Our Master departed this life on Sunday, the 25th of Kislev, 5336.
May his soul rest in peace."
Nehemiah’s life and works are shrouded in both reverence and intrigue. The
1907 Jewish Encyclopedia mentions him, albeit incorrectly, as a false
messiah in Cochin in 1615. Most accounts, however, regard him as a man of great
piety and scholarship. He was married to a woman from the Mattancherry
Kadavumbhagam Jewish community, and his poetic contributions to Jewish liturgy
were so significant that around 20 of his songs were included in the 1757
edition of the Shingli Maḥzor. Although these songs were omitted in
later editions, they have resurfaced in recent Israeli editions of the Shingli
rite, attesting to their enduring importance.
Interestingly, his tomb is assumed as a village deity/Kaavu (grammatadevata)
shrines of South India by the non Jewish local people, though it does not have
any images or symbols found in local worship places. The local respect for the
belief of other traditions has made his tomb an object of cultural
assimilation, with women of all faiths lighting candles and making vows there,
seeking blessings for health, employment, or safe journeys. The incorporation
of a figure like Nehemiah into the religious practices of non-Jewish
communities reflects the unique syncretism and mutual respect that
characterizes Cochin’s cultural fabric.
Acknowledgment of Preservation Efforts
Nehemiah’s tomb, located in an alley near Jew Town Mattancherry, has been
lovingly maintained by local non-Jewish residents. Their efforts, from painting
the tomb to restoring its gold-lettered inscription, are a testament to the
communal harmony that defines Mattancherry. Lighting lamps on his anniversary,
the first day of Hanukkah, further reflects the shared commitment to preserving
his memory and legacy.
Nehemiah Motha’s life and tomb are more than just historical artefacts; they
are living symbols of the cultural and spiritual diversity of Cochin. His
enduring legacy continues to inspire respect, unity, and reverence in a town
where history and humanity converge.
PS: Motha = Mootha (= respect. Eg.. Mootha Amma (mother), Mootha Achan
(father) etc..)
Credit: Jewish Virtual Library
