Synagogue in London, England

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Introduction

 

Sandys Row synagogue is the oldest surviving Ashkenazi synagogue in London. The historic Grade II listed building was acquired by a Jewish congregation of Dutch Ashkenazi background in the mid-19th century and the site has been an integral part of the Jewish East End for over 150 years. Today, it is an important remaining landmark of, and testimony to, the once vibrant local Jewish life.

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The Challenge

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The story of the Jews of the East End has become largely forgotten in the area.  Sandys Row synagogue today faces a number of challenges.  It has a small, stable, ageing membership with limited resources.  It is located in a vibrant part of London and, given the significant heritage value of the site, there is a lot of local interest but the community does not have the capacity to capitalise on this.  The synagogue also has urgent building repairs that it needs to address.  

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​The Plan

 

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage was commissioned by Sandys Row synagogue to conduct a Feasibility Study to understand the full context of the site in order to assess options that would ensure its long term viability.

 

There is strong support for Sandys Row continuing as a functioning synagogue while also exploring becoming a heritage and cultural centre based on the legacy of the Jewish End.   Funding is now being sought to pursue this vision.