“End of An Era” Dedicated in Memory of Hazan Jacob Elijah Dandekar

(Richard Kazn Young-Lecture on-14 Nov 2019-Krakow-Poland Featuring Hazan Jacob Elijah Dandekar on the poster)-photo Richard Kazn Young

Last month on the 27^th of January 2020 we lost a very precious human being and Hazan of the Bene Israeli Jewish Community introduced to me and known to many as Dandekar Baba, when I first met him in Alibaug at the Magen Aboth Synagogue where he was the Hazan in the year 2009-2012.

(The Magen Aboth Synagogue in Alibaug in 2008-2009)-photo Richard Kazn Young

He had been a Hazan for over 47 years, first at the Thane Synagogue, than Alibaug, finally at the Panvel Synagogue, from where he retired and living at his home in Alibaug Dandkekar Baba, I believe learned his Hazanim from one Baeuch Gadkar who was the secretary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.

(Hazan Jacob Elijah Dandekar saying his prayers at the Teva at the Magen Aboth Synagogue 2008-2009) photo Richard Kazn Young

What little I have known of Hazan Dandekar Baba, he loved reciting his prayers Thellim the (Pslams), which many he knew by heart.

(Hazan Dandekar Baba reading his Psalms at his home in Alibaug 2019 my final visit) photo Cheryl Ann Tucker

Finally when I visited him in 2019 just before the High holidays at his place in Alibaug, he looked very happy to see me, still sitting with his prayer books, and later we had lunch at a restaurant in Alibaug, and finally saying goodbye to each other, somehow I knew I would not see him again.

(Hazan Dandekar Baba reading his Psalms at his home in Alibaug 2019 my final visit) photo Cheryl Ann Tucker

And true enough on the 27^th of January 2020; I got the news that Dandekar Baba had passed away, I was doing the “International Holocaust Remembrance Day “it was a very sad moment for me, as I had many things I wanted to do for him, one of them was doing a recording of all his prayers, which were very unique, specially the Psalms.

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Hazan Dandekar Baba has taken out some his precious prayer books his only true companion at his home in Alibaug 2019 my final visit) photo Cheryl Ann Tucker

Which could have remained as a testament of him and the true traditions, tunes, niggunim of the Bene Israeli Community customs for the future generation.

But I guess with sadness I say I missed the mark, time does not wait for you and I, and one day We all will pass away like this, but will We have something rich like this to leave Behind?, and done such a Service to our Community like Baba Dandekar did.?.

(Hazan Jacob Elijah Dandekar preparing for his prayers at the Magen Aboth Synagogue, Alibaug 2008-2009) photo Richard Kazn Young

The Mumbai Jewish community has lost something very precious, sadly he did not get his due. G-d bless His Soul-Dyan VeEmet I will miss you Baba…….I am truly very sorry Baba.