Restoration of Ancient Jewish Shrine in Baghdad Marks a Historic Revival

Restoration of Ancient Jewish Shrine in Baghdad Marks a Historic Revival

IRAQ – In a rare gesture of cultural and religious revival, Iraq’s dwindling Jewish community has completed the restoration of the ancient shrine of Rabbi Isaac Gaon in Baghdad’s al-Kifah neighborhood. Neglected for decades, the shrine was until recently a garbage-filled, crumbling relic. Now, after a $150,000 renovation funded by the Jewish community itself, the […]

How a Once-thriving Jewish Community Helped Shape Kolkata, India

The Baghdadi Jewish community in Kolkata, India, built synagogues, schools, and a lasting legacy.Sayantanee Dutta/Getty Images The interior of the Magen David Synagogue in Kolkata."Lost Cultures: Living Legacies," Season 2, Episode 3In this week’s podcast episode of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies, we explore the rich history of Kolkata's Baghdadi Jewish community. Host Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure's associate editorial director, is joined by…

Iraq’s Jewish community saves a long-forgotten shrine

Baghdad’s Jewish community restores an ancient shrine of a rabbi, reviving heritage amid decades of decline.