I am B.Thomas, a historian and an Incredible India Guide (Southern Region) from Ernakulam, Kerala.
In the neighbourhood I grew up in, we always had our Jews and was aware of their tradition and history from our childhood. Most of them before the Aliya were our friends and our parents and grand parents knew each other. Being a Nazarene Christian, I have a close association with Jewish scriptures.
After the Aliya, we only have the Synagogues and the cemeteries to remind us of our Jews who were like family to us. As my interest in my subject (History) grew, I came across many who also felt the same way about our history. Together, we strive to keep our Jewish History alive in our hearts and in monuments.
For the Jewish Monuments in Kerala to survive the times and weather, we need tourists visiting these monuments frequently. Popular sites in a Tourism oriented state like ours get better care and attention. State involvement in the protection of Chendamangalam and North Parur Synagogues are praiseworthy and very satisfying in the way they maintain the monuments and the way they have presented the historical information. But there are a few more sites and monuments which need to be maintained and protected. I do associate with those who are up for the Heritage conservation activism. (Mala Synagogue & Mattancherry Kadavumbhagam Synagogue).
This tour will always be free for our Kochini Jews who come back to visit their roots. It will be my honour to show you around the places where your fathers and grand fathers lived.
I do appreciate the love and friendship you continue to bestow on me.
✡ God Bless Israel ✡
In the neighbourhood I grew up in, we always had our Jews and was aware of their tradition and history from our childhood. Most of them before the Aliya were our friends and our parents and grand parents knew each other. Being a Nazarene Christian, I have a close association with Jewish scriptures.
After the Aliya, we only have the Synagogues and the cemeteries to remind us of our Jews who were like family to us. As my interest in my subject (History) grew, I came across many who also felt the same way about our history. Together, we strive to keep our Jewish History alive in our hearts and in monuments.
For the Jewish Monuments in Kerala to survive the times and weather, we need tourists visiting these monuments frequently. Popular sites in a Tourism oriented state like ours get better care and attention. State involvement in the protection of Chendamangalam and North Parur Synagogues are praiseworthy and very satisfying in the way they maintain the monuments and the way they have presented the historical information. But there are a few more sites and monuments which need to be maintained and protected. I do associate with those who are up for the Heritage conservation activism. (Mala Synagogue & Mattancherry Kadavumbhagam Synagogue).
This tour will always be free for our Kochini Jews who come back to visit their roots. It will be my honour to show you around the places where your fathers and grand fathers lived.
I do appreciate the love and friendship you continue to bestow on me.
✡ God Bless Israel ✡
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