Simachi’s Big Day

Our hope, an ancient hope
to return to our land… has not ceased.
[Liturgic poem, Itzhak Moshe Roby, Cochin Community, early 19th century[

Simachi is curious and, while following her brother, she finds herself in an exciting and dangerous adventure. This is the story of a little girl with big dreams, a sibling relationship, and the Cochin Jewish community of southwest India that is as ancient as it is small and unique. Simachi’s story introduces readers to some of the community’s customs, and its yearnings for Eretz Yisrael.

Getting to know the Cochin Jews – the Cochin Jewish community lived in the Kingdom of Cochin in southwest India, now part of the State of Kerala. According to tradition, the community was formed at the time of King Solomon, and evidence of its existence dates back to 1000 CE. Since the 16th century, the Cochin Jews were joined by expelled Jews from Spain and Portugal, as well as Jews from Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Community life revolved around its splendid synagogues – the likes of which can be seen nowadays in Moshav Nevatim and the Israel Museum. The community kept in touch with other Jewish communities around the world, and produced its own works, such as liturgic poems (piyyutim) in Hebrew and Malayalam, passed on from one generation to the next by the women of the community. Despite the regime’s tolerance of them, most Cochin Jews chose to sell their property to finance their Aliyah to Israel and act on their yearning for Zion.