Ruby of Cochin

by Ruby Daniel, Barbara C. Johnson

Filled with rich descriptions of Jewish life that spans several centuries in this exotic culture, this ethnographic work is both the story of all the Jews of Cochin, India, and the tale of one woman. It contains historical legends and folk tales, colorful renditions of celebrations in Cochin, and translations of women's songs from Malayalam, the language of the local Jews. It is also Ruby's own memoir of her dramatic life in India. A woman of strong and enviable character, she chose not the traditional path of marriage, instead attending college and joining the Women's Royal Indian Navy.

Genres: Jewish, Memoir

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Razeen Muhammed rafi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jews settled in Malabar coast of Kerala dates back from the time of King Solomon. They settled in Kerala and even married with local people's and lived as local people of Kerala these people are known as Black Jews and others who are known as Paradesi Jews reached during 15th and 16th century following the expulsion of Jews from Spain . These people are supposed to reach Cranganoore (Kodungaloor) which was famous for its international sea port Muzaris. Paradesi Jews settled in parts of Kochi and build their synagogue and life there.
Ruby one of early educated Jewish lady was a teacher and also worked for defence force during colonial period who made Aliyah (immigration to Israel) in later years describe about Jewish life and tradition of Kochi.
This book's deals on rituals of Jews during festivals ,their homes, marriages, birth of a child,death etc. She even discuss on stories of spirits etc. Book also provide her life after Aliyah and her days and struggle in her kibbutz(collective community in Israel that was traditionally based on agriculture) are explained in detailed in this book.

[Meilech · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an unusual memoir from an Indian jew that grew up in Cochin and later on migrated to Israel.

It's written in a very readable form and you feel immersed in her world.

This memoir will give you insights about Jewish life in Cochin which I very much enjoyed as there's not much written about them.

Highly recommend!

[Sandra Bornstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

After living in India and visiting the famous Paradesi Synagogue in 2010, I was interested in learning more about the Cochin Jews. This once thriving Jewish community has now diminished to less than ten Jews. Ruby of Cochin: An Indian Jewish Woman Remembers provides a first-hand account of life in Cochin during the first half of the twentieth century.

Ruby Daniels was born in 1912 and immigrated to Israel in 1951. With the assistance of Barbara C. Johnson, an anthropologist, Ruby describes what life was like during that era. A wide array of black and white photographs enhances this memoir.

Initially, I found it difficult to become engaged in Ruby’s story. The narrative was cluttered with facts and details, but at the same time included information that might be lost without her recollections. Once I started focusing on the major ideas, I began to see how important Ruby’s writing contributes to our understanding of Indian Jewry.

She candidly talked about the clashes between different groups of Jews, discrimination against women, and her experiences working for the Indian government and Women’s Royal Indian Navy. The chapters that focus on traditions and customs enhance our understanding of Indian practices, superstitions, and ethnic songs. Apparently, Hindu superstitions permeated the neighboring Jewish community. The latter part of the book provides insight into why most of the Indian Jews immigrated to the Israel and Ruby shares her vivid memories of adjusting to life on a kibbutz.

In retrospect, I wish that I had read this book before visiting Jew Town in Cochin. Anyone planning to visit the Paradesi Synagogue should definitely read it as well as anyone interested in Indian Jewry or Jewish women around the world.