Shaar Hashamayim Synagogue

Shaar Hashamayim Synagogue

During the years the Jewish community in Thane increased whereby it was felt that a Synagogue should be built wherein all the Jews contributed and the Shaar Hashamaim – Gate Of Heaven Synagogue came into existence when the foundation stone for building the Synagogue was laid on 26th March 1878 and was completed on 29th December 1879 and dedicated and consecrated on 30th December 1879 during the festival of Chanukka. The centenary of the Synagogue was held in 1979. The Synagogue was further renovated and beautified after completing 120 years in the year 1999. The Renovated Synagogue ceiling and beautified Synagogue was dedicated on 3rd September 2000.

During the years Shaar Hashamaim – Gate Of Heaven Synagogue, Thane became a important center of Jewish activities. Today, 40% of the Jewish population in India are residing in and around the city of Thane . The Jewish activities have grown out of proportion to such an extent that the need is felt to develop the existing facilities so as to accommodate the needs of the Jewish people taking the facilities from Shaar Hashamaim. Shaar Hashamaim has a Youth Club so also a Eve’s Association, Indian Zionist Association and also a Jewish Welfare Association affiliated to the Synagogue. Shaar Hashamaim is affiliated to the “Council of Indian Jewry” which is a registered representative body of Indian Jews which is affiliated to the World Jewish Congress, The Commonwealth Jewish Council and the Asia Pacific Jewish Association. The Synagogue is also affiliated to the Sephardi Federation of Indian Jewry which is affiliated to the World Sephardi Federation and the World Zionist Congress.