Jewish India

So here is an example of Jewish India......Samson Solomom Penkar looks after the synagogue in the small village of Pen outside of Mumbai. He, his wife and his son's family will not move to Israel as they said they have a responsibility to look after the synagogue as there are hardly any Jewish people left in the village. Recently the lights (handi lamps) in the synagogue were stolen and so they put up plastic balls as decoration.....as they cannot afford to buy new lamps. There was flooding in the synagogue and so the floor needs repair too. American Jewish sources are helping but am not sure how much? Samson is dedicated to his synagogue. I spent an afternoon with his family and his wife cooked me a wonderful meal. 

Fulbright Travels in India-2011:

Fulbright Travels in India-2011:

With Rachel, Michael, and my mom in Mumbai, Pen and Pune

Delhi and Jaipur with friends Lisa Fung, Wendi and Michael Furman

Studying miniature painting with Ajay and Vinita Sharma in Jaipur

My first 3 weeks in India

Over 3 weeks in India now and having a super time! Here are some of the portraits of the Bene Israel Jews in and around Mumbai. There are just about 5000 left in all of India now. There used to be 30,000 when I was growing up in India in the 60's but they left India for Israel and the US. I am hoping to meet more so I can interview them for my art project.

I also travelled to Delhi for the India Art Summit and it was amazing and very impressive. Met some friends there from New York too!! After Delhi I went with my friend Lisa (also from New Jersey) to Jaipur and I studied with Ajay Sharma an amazing Indian Miniature painter for about a week. I hope to go back to learn a few more painting tricks from Ajay in April. Did lots of shopping!! Jaipur is shoppers paradise!! Even ordered the carpet for my installation in Jaipur! India is full of endless possibilities!! xoxoxox Siona