#central synagogue

Clergy dressed up in character did a bit

Kids came out and did Barbie themed Purim play/skit

Clergy read scripture in character

No High Holiday plans?  Do you want to be with a Jewish community virtually?

Central Synagogue of New York City will be live streaming all of their Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services on Facebook!

The Marriage of Mr. Leopold de Rothschild and Mademoiselle Marie Perugia in the Central Synagogue in 1881.

The Central Synagogue on Great Portland Street, London, then and now.

Built on the site of a warehouse at 120 Great Portland Street in the West End, the Central Synagogue is an Orthodox congregation that started as a branch synagogue of the Great Synagogue in 1855. Thirteen years later, it was decided to erect a new building in the Moresque style. The architect N. S. Joseph was selected. On March 18, 1869, the foundation stone was laid by Baron Lionel de Rothschild, M.P.

The new building was consecrated on April 7, 1870 by the Chief Rabbi in the presence of a large congregation. The Ark was opened by Sir Moses Montefiore, then eighty-five. A few months later, the synagogue received the Royal Assent and the Central Synagogue became an independent constituency no longer under the aegis of the Great Synagogue.

The Synagogue quickly became prosperous and in the first year had let 365 gentlemen's seats and 269 ladies' seats. By 1872, the Synagogue boasted membership of five M.P.'s, six Barons, two Aldermen of the City of London, the Solicitor-General, and one member of the Royal Academy. In 1881, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales visited the Synagogue to attend the wedding of Mr. Leopold de Rothschild. He visited again in 1898 for the service in memory of Baron F. de Rothschild.

The synagogue remained notable, but WWII brought destruction when the building was bombed on May 10, 1941. Due to difficulty obtaining a license for a permanent Synagogue suitable to replace the former building, a temporary synagogue was built instead and consecrated on September 30, 1948. When the licensing restrictions were lifted in 1955, it was decided to rebuild a new Synagogue in keeping with its earlier history and dignity.

The rebuilt Synagogue was consecrated on March 23, 1958 and led to a renewal of its prominence. The membership increased by over 100 new constituents in the first year and expanded further throughout the 1960's and 70's, totaling over 800.

The history of the Central Synagogue has played an integral part in the life and activities of the Jewish community in London. Its archives are full of important figures who have contributed enormously to the welfare and prosperity of the Jewish and wider community. It serves as a proud landmark to Anglo-Jewish history.