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Ohel David Synagogue, Pune Overview

Situated on the Moledina Road in Pune, David Synagogue also known as the Ohel David Synagogue was constructed between 1863 to 1867 by David Sassoon. Known to be the biggest synagogue in all of Asia. The iconic red brick building stands tall in the heart of the city and caters to the small Jewish congregation. The non- Jewish visitors, however, has to take an appointment to visit the synagogue. Locally known as Lal Deval (Red Walls), the synagogue boasts of an English Gothic style architecture which was designed by Henry Stain Clair Wilkins. Greatly resembling the structure of a church, the monument also has a 90 foot high obelisk that has a majestic clock hung to it, which was especially brought from London for the same.

A perfect example of religious sanctity and architectural beauty, the synagogue is one of the most popular monuments of the city. It also hold regular prayers and holiday services which are conducted by congregational laymen, visiting Rabbi or a Hazzan (reader). This Hazzan is usually called from Mumbai to conduct prayers. The synagogue is synonymous with the Jewish identity of town and is both a popular religious as well as as tourist spot of Pune.

Architecture of the David Synagogue

Ohel David Synagogue or David Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Asia and the second largest in the world. Built in a neo- gothic or an English Gothic style of architecture, the synagogue was designed by Henry Wilkins. Constructed in all red Deccan trapstone, the most noticeable feature of the synagogue is the 90 foot high obelisk which has a clock tower. This obelisk is right adjacent to the entrance and tends to give the synagogue, a look of a church.

Another highlight of the synagogue is the mausoleum of David Sassoon who passed away one year after laying the establishing stone for the synagogue. So then, a mausoleum was constructed for Sassoon when the synagogue was consecrated in 1867. Ohel David Synagogue also contains a Mikvah (the place for giving a ritual bath), caretaker and community apartments that has now been closed. It has been designed such as to accommodate a 100 families all at once.