Maghen David synagogue
West Bengal · India
The synagogue was built in 1884 by Elias David Ezra in memory of his father David Joseph Ezra. The synagogue is built in the Italian Renaissance style with a brick red finish. This is approached through an arched door, containing the hexagonal "Star of David" and Hebrew inscription. The two side walls contains memorial plaques dedicated to the well known Jews of Calcutta. The chequered marble floor, gleaming chandeliers, stained glass windows and ornate floral pillars shipped from Paris enhance its Continental look. The ark of the Magen David Synagogue is set into the walls of an apse. The star-studded half dome of the apse represents the heavens. The large plaque above the middle section of the ark contains the Ten Commandments. It also contains several other Hebrew inscription along with several other items of Jewish Iconography, including the seven branched lamp stand of the menorah. At the centre of the hall is the bimah, the raised platform from which the Torah was read.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the audio guide for the Maghen David Synagogue, a magnificent monument showcasing the rich multicultural history and deep spiritual heritage of Kolkata. You are currently standing near the vibrant intersection of…
Listen in the app2Red-Brick Façade & Foundation Tablet
You are now standing before the striking exterior facade of the Maghen David Synagogue. As you gaze upon this grand building, you will immediately notice the impressive visual harmony of vibrant red brickwork contrasted with…
Listen in the app3The 140-Foot Clock Tower
Please tilt your gaze upward toward the soaring corner tower positioned prominently at the front of the synagogue complex. Rising dramatically to an astonishing height of one hundred and forty feet, or approximately forty three…
Listen in the app4Porch and Anteroom
Leaving the impressive red brick facade behind and ascending the stone entryway steps, you pass through the outer porch into the anteroom of the synagogue. As you cross this doorway, the overwhelming noise, dust, and heat of the…
Listen in the app5Main Sanctuary Colonnade & French Columns
The moment you step through the main wooden doors into the grand sanctuary, you are immediately struck by the sheer vertical scale and breathtaking architectural beauty of the central colonnade. The vast, high ceilinged hall is…
Listen in the app6Central Bimah & Sephardic Tiled Floor
As you walk into the center of the main hall, your attention is naturally drawn to the raised wooden and stone platform known as the bimah. In Jewish liturgical tradition, the bimah serves as the central focal point for public…
Listen in the app7Apse, Holy Ark & Religious Emblems
You have now arrived at the eastern end of the sanctuary, reaching the absolute spiritual heart of the Maghen David Synagogue: the apse and the Holy Ark. As you look up at the semicircular domed apse crowning the altar area, you…
Listen in the app8Closing
We have now ascended to the second floor women gallery balcony. Standing here along the wrought iron railing and looking down into the sanctuary below, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire synagogue…
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What is Maghen David synagogue?
Maghen David synagogue is a place in West Bengal · India with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | West Bengal · India |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 22.5789, 88.3484 |
| Last updated |
