THANE: The close-knit Jewish community staying in Maharashtra’s Thane has started special prayer sessions at their respective homes for peace and safety of the war-struck Israel, members said Thursday.
A few community members who assembled at the Shaar Hashamaim — Gate of Heaven synagogue located in the dense Tembhi naka area of the city — on Thursday afternoon said they preferred to abstain from reacting publicly on the issue but instead have chosen to pray for Israel at homes following instructions from their religious leaders.
“We are shocked at the attacks which happened when Israel was still celebrating Shabbath. Though we are deeply stressed, we don’t intend to show off our angst but prefer to pray for peace and tranquility. We have started special prayers including Tehillim — reading of the psalms of David — at our homes every afternoon following directions from the rabbi,” said Ezra Moses, former secretary at the Thane synagogue and social activist.
Moses said in addition, a special community prayer session was held Thursday where around 30 members assembled at the lone synagogue in Thane district where a special prayer session including reading of the Eliyahooh Hannabi followed by prayers and a token of our appreciation for soldiers fighting for their country was held.
The nearly three hour long session ended Thursday evening after a customary lunch.
It may be noted that Thane has the second largest numbers of Jew community after Mumbai in the metropolitan region.
The community members say they feel safe here and claim to have received adequate police protection.
“We have received many calls and messages extending support from our non-Jewish friends since the last few days,” Moses told TOI.
A few community members who assembled at the Shaar Hashamaim — Gate of Heaven synagogue located in the dense Tembhi naka area of the city — on Thursday afternoon said they preferred to abstain from reacting publicly on the issue but instead have chosen to pray for Israel at homes following instructions from their religious leaders.
“We are shocked at the attacks which happened when Israel was still celebrating Shabbath. Though we are deeply stressed, we don’t intend to show off our angst but prefer to pray for peace and tranquility. We have started special prayers including Tehillim — reading of the psalms of David — at our homes every afternoon following directions from the rabbi,” said Ezra Moses, former secretary at the Thane synagogue and social activist.
Moses said in addition, a special community prayer session was held Thursday where around 30 members assembled at the lone synagogue in Thane district where a special prayer session including reading of the Eliyahooh Hannabi followed by prayers and a token of our appreciation for soldiers fighting for their country was held.
The nearly three hour long session ended Thursday evening after a customary lunch.
It may be noted that Thane has the second largest numbers of Jew community after Mumbai in the metropolitan region.
The community members say they feel safe here and claim to have received adequate police protection.
“We have received many calls and messages extending support from our non-Jewish friends since the last few days,” Moses told TOI.
