The historic Sandys Row Synagogue in Spitalfields has commissioned the Foundation for Jewish Heritage to undertake research to explore the feasibility of the synagogue incorporating a heritage centre focused on the Jewish East End experience.
Sandys Row is the oldest surviving Ashkenazi synagogue in London. The historic Grade II listed Georgian building was acquired by a group of immigrant Dutch Jews in the mid-19th century. The East End was to become the centre of the largest Jewish community in the UK with at one time over 50 synagogues. Jews progressively moved out of the East End and today Sandys Row is one of only two functioning synagogues that remain; a legacy of a once vibrant Jewish life that has become largely forgotten in the area.
While Sandys Row’s membership has inevitably declined, the synagogue remains buoyant, benefiting from being so close to the City, hosting a busy weekday lunchtime minyan for local workers. The synagogue also receives increasing numbers of visitors including many school groups wanting to learn about the East End and its various immigrant communities. The heritage centre concept arises out of this growing interest, and the Feasibility Study will test the idea consulting with local organisations and potential audiences.
The Foundation’s flagship project is the Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre being developed at the grade II listed former Merthyr Tydfil synagogue with National Lottery Heritage Fund and Welsh Government support.
Henry Freedman, Board member of Sandys Row synagogue, commented, ‘My family has been connected with Sandys Row since its very founding. It is a gem of a place in what is now a very busy and attractive part of London. The idea of a heritage centre is something we have been considering for some time and we are delighted to now be working with the Foundation for Jewish Heritage to take forward the concept.’
Michael Mail, Chief Executive of the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, remarked, ‘Sandys Row stands as an important testament to the once great East End Jewish community. The Jewish presence in, and contribution to, the area was enormous, and Sandys Row is the perfect place to tell that story.’
For further information, contact Michael Mail on e: michaelmail@foundationforjewishheritage.com or m: +44 07968 529609.
