Baghdadi Indian Shabbat
On June 5, 2026, Kanisse, in partnership with the American Sephardi Federation, hosted a “Baghdadi-Indian Shabbat” at Tribeca Synagogue, led by Rahel Musleah, a seventh-generation member of Calcutta’s Jewish community and an award-winning journalist, author, singer, storyteller, and educator. Drawing on her own heritage, Rahel shared the rich liturgical, visual, and culinary traditions of India’s Baghdadi Jewish community. The evening included an art exhibition of ritual objects from Kolkata, a prayer service showcasing Baghdadi-Indian melodies, and a Shabbat dinner inspired by Iraqi and Indian flavors. Click on the links below to learn more about each of these elements.
From Baghdad to Kolkata:
Ritual Objects, Vessels of Memory
Pop-up exhibition of ritual objects from the Baghdadi Jewish community of Kolkata, courtesy of the Musleah Family.
Photo courtesy of Maegan Gindi
Baghdadi-Indian Shabbat Melodies
Select recordings of liturgical melodies for Shabbat evening, performed during our services.
To explore more of Rahel’s work, including Baghdadi-Indian music, recipes, Jewish heritage tours of India, and other resources, visit her Explore Jewish India website.
