Guests of honor at the event, Hakham Rabbi Yaaqob Menashe, founder of Midrash Ben Ish Hai and the Grand Rabbi Sinai Halberstam, traveled from America to celebrate. Rabbi Menashe, a renowned speaker and great, great, great grandson of David Sassoon, inspired the crowd, when he told them that everything has an end, including darkness, suffering and hardship, which can change instantaneously when Hashem wishes. The only thing that will never change is the eternal Torah.
He remarked that during his childhood, when he lived in Bombay, he never knew the meaning of the word anti-Semitism and thanked the Indian government and people for the freedom they afforded the Jewish people to practice their religion and study Torah.
Flowers and sparkling fairy lights adorned the outside and interior of the magnificent synagogue during the event. An enormous crowd of 800 well wishers participated in the celebration, including visitors from Israel, the UK, USA and Australia.
The anniversary celebration was organized by Mr. Solomon Sopher, Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Jacob Sassoon and Charity and Allied Trusts. The occasion was graced by many dignitaries. A choir of young children, singing in Hebrew, English and Hindi opened the celebration.
