Guildford Synagogue
Encyclopedia
Guildford Synagogue refers both to a probably medieval synagogue and to a modern congregation in Guildford, England.
during the 12th Century. It is widely believed that they built a synagogue (circa 1180) in the High Street, on a site that is now owned by the retail outlet Accessorize. There is a small plaque to mark the spot.
The chamber was discovered in 1995 when excavations were taking place on the site. Archaeologists led by Mary Alexander of the Guildford Museum
found a chamber with steps down from street level. It was ornately decorated with pattern designs. In the East of the room is an alcove and a pillar where scorch marks demonstrate that a light was often burning in this place. The assumption is that the alcove is the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) and the mark is left from a Ner Tamid (Everlasting Light).
Being the only chamber of its kind in England, there has been much dispute over its use, but the most popular theory and all the evidence points towards the probability that Guildford has the oldest synagogue remains in the British Isles
and one of the oldest in Western Europe.
Today, the modern synagogue contains a stone presented by Guildford Museum
of the original Jewish museum. The actual chamber is under concrete although both the owners of the site and local historians have expressed their regret at not having a glass floor.
opened and consecrated the synagogue. A plaque at the synagogue marks the occasion that the Chief Rabbi inaugurated the synagogue laid by Theo Rubin who was the President of the community for many years. Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks
visited the synagogue in 2006.
has been an advocate for the centre within the Jewish community and beyond.
Medieval synagogue
The Jews probably arrived in GuildfordGuildford
Guildford is the county town of Surrey. England, as well as the seat for the borough of Guildford and the administrative headquarters of the South East England region...
during the 12th Century. It is widely believed that they built a synagogue (circa 1180) in the High Street, on a site that is now owned by the retail outlet Accessorize. There is a small plaque to mark the spot.
The chamber was discovered in 1995 when excavations were taking place on the site. Archaeologists led by Mary Alexander of the Guildford Museum
Guildford Museum
Guildford Museum is a museum is in the town of Guildford, Surrey, England. The museum can be found on Quarry Street, a road running just off the High Street. Part of the Museum is housed in the gatehouse of Guildford Castle. It is run by Guildford Borough Council, and offers free entry between 11am...
found a chamber with steps down from street level. It was ornately decorated with pattern designs. In the East of the room is an alcove and a pillar where scorch marks demonstrate that a light was often burning in this place. The assumption is that the alcove is the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) and the mark is left from a Ner Tamid (Everlasting Light).
Being the only chamber of its kind in England, there has been much dispute over its use, but the most popular theory and all the evidence points towards the probability that Guildford has the oldest synagogue remains in the British Isles
Oldest synagogues in the United Kingdom
The designation oldest synagogue in the United Kingdom requires careful definition. A number of synagogues that predate the expulsion of the Jews from England have been discovered by archaeologists or by historians in buildings that have been in use for other purposes for many centuries...
and one of the oldest in Western Europe.
Today, the modern synagogue contains a stone presented by Guildford Museum
Guildford Museum
Guildford Museum is a museum is in the town of Guildford, Surrey, England. The museum can be found on Quarry Street, a road running just off the High Street. Part of the Museum is housed in the gatehouse of Guildford Castle. It is run by Guildford Borough Council, and offers free entry between 11am...
of the original Jewish museum. The actual chamber is under concrete although both the owners of the site and local historians have expressed their regret at not having a glass floor.
Modern synagogue
In 1979, having borrowed halls for years, land was bought and the community modified the building on the site to build its own synagogue. Chief Rabbi Immanuel JakobovitsImmanuel Jakobovits
Immanuel Jakobovits, Baron Jakobovits, Kt was the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth from 1967 to 1991. His successor is the present Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks.-Biography:...
opened and consecrated the synagogue. A plaque at the synagogue marks the occasion that the Chief Rabbi inaugurated the synagogue laid by Theo Rubin who was the President of the community for many years. Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks
Jonathan Sacks
Jonathan Henry Sacks, Baron Sacks, Kt is the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. His Hebrew name is Yaakov Zvi...
visited the synagogue in 2006.
Surrey Multifaith Centre
The University of Surrey announced plans in 2007 to build a multifaith centre on their Stag Hill Campus. The plans include a Jewish Common Room – Synagogue with a Sukkah and mikvah within the centre. The chaplaincy team at the University of Surrey are advocates of the centre which has won the backing of leading religious figures in the UK. The Jewish chaplain Alexander GoldbergAlexander Goldberg
Alexander Goldberg, b. Guildford in 1974 is a barrister, chaplain and human rights activist. He founded and chaired the CCJO René Cassin human rights group and is the Chief Executive of the London Jewish Forum and the Chaplain to the University of Surrey....
has been an advocate for the centre within the Jewish community and beyond.
External links
- Guildford Jewish Community and Guildford Synagogue on Jewish Communities and Records - UK (hosted by jewishgen.org).