The Victorian[1][2] and Neoclassical-styled[3]Sephardi synagogue was constructed in 1864 by David Sassoon for the growing population of Baghdadi Jews who had fled from persecution by the governor and Wali of Baghdad Dawud Pasha.[1] By 1910, the Jewish community in the neighbourhood of Byculla had increased to the extent that the synagogue could no longer service all the devotees and the synagogue was extended with the help of Jacob, David Sassoon's grandson.[4]
Legacy
The synagogue is one of the largest[clarification needed] in Asia outside of Israel.
Within the extensive grounds of the synagogue there are two Jewish schools that are both operated by the Sir Jacob Sassoon High School Trust and the E.E.E. Sassoon High School Trust, in which Jewish children were originally educated. Over time most of the Bagdadi Jews moved to the more affluent Colaba area or abroad to Israel, Australia, Britain and Canada. With the scarcity of Jewish students, the schools have opened to all communities and currently provide for the population in the vicinity, which is 98% Muslim.[5]
The synagogue was restored for the celebration of the 150th anniversary in 2011.[4][6]
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