A special visit to Middle Street

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage was delighted to host a special visit to the grade II* Middle

Street synagogue in Brighton by Lord James Sassoon, new Chair of the Pilgrim Trust, and CEO Sue Bowers. Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Brighton and Hove City Council also joined in the visit.

Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation (BHHC) member Michelle Cooperman acted as the guide explaining the history and main features of the opulent synagogue. A special aspect of the visit was Michelle explaining the strong Sassoon family connection to the building evidenced by the many plaques that bore the Sassoon name.

The Pilgrim Trust supported the Feasibility Study that the Foundation undertook to identify a new use for Middle Street which ended regular services 20 years ago. The other funders were the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund. The Study recommended that the synagogue be turned into a cultural and educational centre, and this is now being pursued.

It was Birgit’s first visit to the site and she was clearly impressed by the synagogue, pointing out elements that she felt directly linked to the Royal Pavilion.

Joining the visit was BHHC Chair Susan Conway, past Chair Martyn Cooperman, and Board member Howard Hamilton. Synagogue historian Michael Crook presented the guests with a publication on the synagogue.

James Sassoon said: ‘The Pilgrim Trust is delighted to have supported the condition survey of the synagogue. It was great to be reminded of the quality of this key Brighton building - and to see the progress towards its renewal and opening up.’

Foundation Chief Executive Michael Mail commented: ‘we were so pleased that Lord Sassoon, Sue Bowers and Birgit Miller took the time to visit Middle Street underscoring the interest in the site and the importance of finding a new role for the astonishing building which is currently closed to the public.’