BZD Israel

Recalling Jewish Calcutta: A Journey Through Time and Diaspora

Event Description

Discover the extraordinary history of the Jewish community of Calcutta, a small yet vibrant group that left a lasting legacy in one of the most significant mercantile cities of the British Empire. Join us for Recalling Jewish Calcutta, a captivating virtual tour hosted by the Baltimore Zionist District, with renowned historian and speaker Jael Silliman as your guide.

In this immersive experience, you will journey back to a time when Jewish families, originally from the Middle East, made their way to Calcutta in search of new opportunities. Despite their small numbers, these Jews played an influential role in the city’s development, contributing to its commerce, culture, and religious life. With the aid of evocative slides and audiovisual images, Jael Silliman will bring the story of this unique community and its remarkable achievements to life.

Explore how these Jews, who settled in Calcutta during the height of British rule, integrated into the city’s bustling life while maintaining their distinct cultural and religious identity. You’ll learn about their contributions to the city’s economy and the strong institutions they established—such as synagogues, schools, and a sprawling cemetery—that served as the cornerstones of their community life.

The tour will also delve into the dramatic events of the 1940s and 1950s, when global upheavals led to the exodus of most of Calcutta’s Jews to England, Australia, America, Canada, and Israel. Despite this mass migration, the Jewish legacy in Calcutta remains preserved through its architectural treasures, including three synagogues, two of which stand as magnificent testaments to the community’s once-thriving presence.

Today, only a handful of Jews remain in Calcutta, but their impact on the city’s history endures. This virtual tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with the past and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of Jewish Calcutta.

BZD Virtual Events are exclusively for BZD members (unless otherwise noted). For just $77 per year, you gain exclusive access to all our engaging virtual events. By becoming a BZD member, you’re not only investing in your own personal enrichment but also supporting the invaluable work we do in the Jewish community.

Your membership fee helps offset the costs of our speakers and guides, ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality programs each week.

Don’t miss out on a year of amazing programming—join today!

Time Zone: America/New_York

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