Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, Mumbai

The Knesset Eliyahoo, also known as Knesset Eliyahu, is a synagogue in downtown Mumbai with ties to Orthodox Judaism. It holds the distinction of being the second oldest Sephardic synagogue in the city. The synagogue's history dates back to 1884 when it was established by Jacob Elias Sassoon. He was the son of Eliyahoo David Sassoon and the grandson of David Sassoon, who had fled religious persecution in Baghdad in 1832 and settled in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The synagogue is maintained by the Jacob Sassoon Trust, blending Jewish heritage with Indian and English colonial architectural influences.

The synagogue's architectural plan was created by the British firm Gostling & Morris of Bombay. The structure features a stone masonry base and a superstructure made of brick masonry. The exterior facade of the synagogue is painted in a striking turquoise color, leading it to be colloquially known as the "Blue Synagogue of Mumbai." Interestingly, it wasn't originally blue; the transformation back to its original white color with vibrant indigo borders took place during a restoration project in 2018-19, overseen by conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah.

Inside the synagogue, you'll find intricately ornamented pillars, and the sanctuary is oriented westward towards Jerusalem. The bimah, where readings and ceremonies take place, is flanked by beautifully carved marble structures. Above it, there's a tall stained-glass arch that extends to the ceiling. The female worshippers have their seating in an upstairs gallery. The synagogue contains Torah scrolls, religious books in silver cases owned by the Sassoon family, meeting and school rooms, and a mikveh (ritual immersion pool) on the ground floor. The building requires restoration for its staircase, windows, timber balconies, ceiling, walls, and roof.