PM Modi visits Israel Museum in Jerusalem

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu today visited the Israel Museum in Jerusalem which exhibits India's unique Jewish heritage.
"Celebrating the cultural linkages between Israel and India. The leaders visit Jewish museum, examine exhibits dedicated to India's Jewish heritage," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted along with their photographs.
The two Prime Ministers visited three main exhibits.
Their first stop was at a gallery displaying the religious and secular material culture of the Jewish community in Cochin, Kerala.
One of the exhibits was a bridal dress from Cochin, which was later inserted in a Torah ark curtain used on Yom Kippur, an important holiday of the Jewish year.

The two leaders also saw a set of Torah Scrolls in Silver casings which were earlier displayed in the Magen David synagogue during Simhat Torah in Kolkata, West Bengal.

The highlight of the tour was a stop at the replica of the Kadavumbagam synagogue from Cochin, built in the 16th century. Its wooden structures, with a carved and painted ceiling and the ornate altar are placed in a room. The main wooden structure was brought in from the original synagogue.
"PM Netanyahu and @PMOIndia @narendramodi visited @IsraelMuseum and toured the restored synagogue from Cochin on display at the museum," the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel tweeted.

Two traditional Indian-Jewish singers were present to sing Jewish hymns during the visit.
The synagogue has an exquisitely carved wooden structure and a painted ceiling. The section is divided into two parts - the upper level from where women took part in prayers and the lower level.
Cochin synagogues are distinct from the rest, as sections for men and women are not separated by a curtain.