Correspondence
Letter from Abraham Jhirad about Demographics of the Indian Jewish Community (1961)
Dear Rabbi, As desired by you, two copies of Gittim prepared by our Hazanim are enclosed. Your advice on the validity etc., of the same is earnestly solicited. The paper with the palm-prints of goat’s blood from the village Wakroli will be sent to you as soon as received. With regard to the information regarding Jewish population of the congregations you visited and addressed, I have to state as follows:The total strength of our people in India can be roughly estimated In the neighbourhood of 22 to 23,000, of which the majority viz., 18,000 or thereabout, reside in the city of Bombay – Thana town included.The U.0.J.C.I. has, as its constituents, five out of the seven synagogues in Bombay and Thana. Of the three Prayer Halls the Managing Committee of one has resolved to join the Orthodox Union. The Trustees of the Thana Synagogue representing five to six hundred people are contemplating withdrawal from the United Synagogue of India. However, taking only the affiliated congregations into consideration, I could safely say that not less than 16,000 out of the 18,000 identify themselves as Orthodox Jews.Poona has about 500 to 600 people with two Synagogues. One is already a member of the U.O.J.C.I., and the other, though not a member, Is not expected to join the United Synagogue of India, It Is strongly gathered.Ahmedabad....Ahmedabad has about 500 souls with one synagogue. The Managing Committee had resolved to join the U.O.J.C.I. and, I think, with your visit to that congregation the decision of the General Body too shall be forthcoming soon.Pen, Panvel and Alibag of the Konkan district, have one synagogue each with a total population of about 250 persons. Pen, which was so far neutral, has expressed willingness to join the U.O.J.C.I.The above figures are quoted off hand, but could be considered fairly correct. Detailed information, if required, will be forwarded.I am enclosing herewith names of a few publications which we want. I shall deem it a favour, however, if b…
