Just one of those days - Mumbai, Dec.12, 2009

Travel log:
In Christian countries Chanukah rides on the momentum of Santa's sleigh, not in India.
A Saturday night Havdalah service made only passing mention of the "not-Christmas" holiday celebrated in the English-speaking world.
Many congregants few there at the 125 year old Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue are decedents of the Bene Israel Jews who landed 2,100 years ago (and if your math is any good, this was just before the time of Jesus Christ; whose birthday is celebrated on... Christmas.)
The story goes that a ship carrying seven Jewish families wrecked on the Indian coast near what is now Mumbai. The families grew into a larger community which was accepted by the locals and called the "Saturday oil-pressers." The oil-pressers largely assimilated and began to speak Marathi, the language of the state of Maharastra.
After the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, a year after India's independence, many Jews headed back to the Holy Land and the numbers dwindled.
On this Chanukah, in the old impressive synagogue with its well-worn, comforting elegance, Rabbi Solomon Sopher conducted a standard Hebrew-only orthodox service.
It seemed like some people had forgotten when the service ended and he called the 16 congregants to gather around for the lighting of an ornate gold Chanukah menorah.
There were no presents, no latkes, no dradles, no snow, no cold; and there was no sense of missing all of the Christmas fun.
Six candles left and there goes another holiday.