Mumbai’s Historic 170-Year-Old Magen David Synagogue Renovation Faces Backlash Over Heritage Risks

Mumbai: Renovation work at the 170-year-old Magen David Synagogue in Byculla has triggered concerns among the Jewish community after social media posts showed demolished beams inside the heritage structure. Celebrity chef Moshe Shek, a Baghdadi Jew with familial ties to the synagogue, shared the images, alleging unauthorized demolition.

The synagogue trust claims the work is part of essential repairs, but critics argue it lacks approval from heritage authorities. Shek filed a police complaint, alleging assault by staff when he visited the site on May 18. He claims the global Baghdadi Jewish diaspora, largely based in the UK and Australia, is alarmed by the changes.

Shek attempted to meet Mumbai’s municipal commissioner, who was on leave, and spoke with a conservation architect involved in a stalled restoration plan. He insists the ongoing work violates heritage norms, citing his experience in the restoration of Fort’s Knesset Eliyahu Synagogue.

Solomon Sopher, chairman of the Sir Jacob Sassoon Charity Trust managing the synagogue, denied the allegations, calling them “false and malicious.” He explained that structural instability necessitated emergency repairs, supervised by professionals, after a proposed Rs 9.7 crore restoration was delayed by funding issues and the pandemic. A beam collapse during the work was accidental, he clarified.

Sopher accused Shek of misrepresenting facts and claimed staff acted in self-defense when Shek entered the restricted site. Services continue at Knesset Eliyahu until Magen David’s repairs conclude.