The locality where the Gate of Mercy synagogue is located is known as the ‘Israel Moholla (area)’. There is a Star of David at the entrance to the Gate of Mercy Synagogue. In 1896 AD the synagogue was renamed as ‘Shaar Harahamim’ on its centennial celebration. The synagogue is separated from the street by a high wall and a gate. Along with the Stars of David, there is an inscription which distinguishes this building as a synagogue. The structure is a blend of European and Indian elements. The western features are seen in the stylized Corinthian pilasters which separate the upper story windows and the cornice, while the Indian features show up in the pointed crenulations and the balustrade capping the synagogue which has been derived from the jali, or perforated screen pattern. 

The Courtyard – Beyond the surrounding wall there is a small paved courtyard, in front of the synagogue. This space serves as an open approach to the sanctuary and a spot for communal gathering for religious and social ... More

The locality where the Gate of Mercy synagogue is located is known as the ‘Israel Moholla (area)’. There is a Star of David at the entrance to the Gate of Mercy Synagogue. In 1896 AD the synagogue was renamed as ‘Shaar Harahamim’ on its centennial celebration. The synagogue is separated from the street by a high wall and a gate. Along with the Stars of David, there is an inscription which distinguishes this building as a synagogue. The structure is a blend of European and Indian elements. The western features are seen in the stylized Corinthian pilasters which separate the upper story windows and the cornice, while the Indian features show up in the pointed crenulations and the balustrade capping the synagogue which has been derived from the jali, or perforated screen pattern. 

The Courtyard – Beyond the surrounding wall there is a small paved courtyard, in front of the synagogue. This space serves as an open approach to the sanctuary and a spot for communal gathering for religious and social events. A narrow passage off the courtyard that goes around the building leads to a mikveh, or a pool which is used for ritual bath.

The Façade – The synagogue is a two-storey building made up of plaster of polished lime and sand. The façade is painted colourfully in yellow and blue colours. At the centre of the courtyard there are steps which lead to a covered porch where the synagogue office is located. To its north is a women’s gallery. Off this foyer are doors that lead into the sanctuary or the main prayer hall.

The Sanctuary – This is a rectangular room, measuring 8 meters x 16 meters (26 feet x 52 feet). It follows the pattern of other Bene Israel synagogues. In the centre is the tebah/ bimah (a platform where the Torah is read and the service conducted by the priest). There are wooden benches which fill up the rest of the room. On the far wall is the heckal (ark), which is a cabinet in which the Torah scrolls are kept. The tebah, is a carved wooden cabinet and is draped in the traditional curtain which is called as the ‘parochet’. The heckal, rises a few steps off the main floor level. There is a matching pair of draped chairs on the sides of the heckal. One of these is kept for Prophet Elijah and the other for the circumcision ritual or the brit mila. The floor is paved with light grey marble pavers, the windows are large and have louvered shutters. The walls are painted and have pilasters spaced all around. The room has a flat painted wood-stripped ceiling with decorative rosettes, corner medallions, and applied battens. Hanging from the ceiling are several ceiling fans, glass dome lanterns, and variously- styled lighting fixtures. In front of the heckal is the Ner Tamid (eternal light), or a continuously lit lamp or lantern which burns at all times to signify the presence of God. Other architectural features include framed Hebrew prayer verses along the walls, and the wall sconces (candle holders).