Judaism is a very ancient religion that originated in Palestine in West Asia. The prsons who follow the religion Judaism are called `Jews` or `Hebrews`. A small group of the Jews people can be found in the South Indian state of Kerala. The exact origin of the Jews in India is not known. There is a group of Jews in Kerala, who claimed that they migrated here over two thousand years ago. But now, the Jews and Judaism is decreasing in India due to various reasons, which includes the migration of them to the foreign lands.
The place where the Jews people go for praying is known as a `Synagogue`. The Jewish synagogue in Kochi or Cochin of Kerala is an architectural wonder. It is said to be constructed in 1568 AD and was renovated in later period. This Jewish synagogue has very beautiful hand-painted Chinese floor tiles and Belgian chandeliers. It is situated near the Dutch Palace of the Rajas or kings of Kochi. These Hindu kings offered their liberal patronage to the Jews and the synagogue. The area surrounding the synagogue in Kochi is called Jewtown. There are many spice shops selling pepper, cardamom, nutmegs and cloves near this crowded and congested area of the synagogue.
