Kochi: The Jewish community of Kerala came together to commemorate a traditional wedding after a gap of 15 years. The remarkable ceremony took place at a private resort in Kerala and was attended by family, friends, and community members of the bride and groom.
The wedding has been solemnised by Rabbi Ariel Tyson, who travelled from Israel to officiate the wedding in its traditional customs.
The bride, Rachel Malakhai, a data scientist residing in the United States, is the daughter of the former crime branch SP Benoy Malakhai. She tied the knot with Richard Zachary Rowe, an American citizen and a NASA engineer. The couple's union beautifully merged cultures and backgrounds, reflecting the spirit of harmony and love.
Under the Huppah, a canopy symbolizing the sanctity of the home, the wedding ceremony took place. Unlike the traditional Jewish wedding, it was held outside a synagogue, making it the first wedding of its kind to be held in Kerala.
The last Jewish wedding in the state occurred in 2008, nearly two decades ago, at the Thekkumbhagam synagogue in Mattancherry. As the capacity of the synagogue was limited, the families opted to hold the ceremony at a private resort, ensuring that all family members could witness and partake in the rituals.
Kerala has a long-standing connection with the Jewish community, with historical records suggesting that Jewish traders arrived in the region over 2,000 years ago during the reign of King Solomon. However, today, only a few families of Jewish heritage remain in the state, making this celebration all the more special.
Source: PTI