Foundation takes on UK-wide role

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage has announced a new UK-wide project that will offer support to historic synagogues facing challenges. The ambitious project, Preserving Jewish Heritage, Promoting the Hidden Jewish Story, has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund that could unlock up to £1.2m of further National Lottery funding.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Foundation for Jewish Heritage will receive an initial investment of £141,391 to help shape its plans for the project. The initial year-long development phase will advance plans for implementing the project.  Subject to a successful delivery phase application, a five year project will be rolled out across the UK providing guidance and practical support to historic synagogues in areas such as building management and maintenance, governance, capacity building, sustainability, archiving, education and outreach.  

Key aspects of the project include –

·         appointing two Support Officers; one covering buildings, repairs and maintenance and the other education and outreach

·         creating a project website with information and resources

·         creating a Historic Synagogues Network: a forum for all volunteers working on synagogue heritage preservation to meet for training and the sharing of information on

best practices, challenges, issues etc

·         establishing a Historic Synagogues Heritage Route

·         assisting synagogues with recording and preserving artefacts

·         establishing a Development Grants Scheme providing small financial awards to

synagogues to undertake early stage development work

The core aim of the project is to significantly strengthen the synagogue sector improving the preservation and long term viability of historic synagogues. 

Project partners include the Heritage Network, which operates across the UK supporting community organisations to restore, re-use and manage historic sites, who will assist with the training aspects of the project.  The second partner is the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the umbrella body of British Jewry, who will assist with local community liaison.

The Foundation has been building up its core staff team as its work has been expanding, and this latest project represents a major step forward for the Foundation as it takes on this enhanced role covering the country.

Dame Helen Hyde, Foundation Chair, stated: “We have built up over the years considerable knowledge and expertise in working with historic synagogues which we will now be able to apply across the UK.  We are very grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this terrific endorsement of and support for our work.   We also appreciate the involvement of the Heritage Network and the Board of Deputies who will both play important roles in ensuring that the project is successful.” 

Michael Mail, Foundation Chief Executive, added: “There are many extraordinary historic synagogues across the country that are facing a number of challenges relating to declining memberships and limited resources.  We want to help and support these congregations, recognising the considerable heritage value of these sites and what they have to offer.   The launch of this project is especially significant given that this is a very difficult time for the UK Jewish community given the recent rise in antisemitism.”

Stuart McLeod, Director, England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We’re delighted to support this important project by the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, which will help support and safeguard some of the UK’s most significant heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, historic synagogues across the country will receive specialist guidance, resources and investment to help secure their future. These buildings hold deep cultural, architectural and community significance and this project will ensure these stories continue to be shared, understood and celebrated for generations to come."

David Tittle, Chief Executive of the Heritage Network commented: “We are excited to be supporting this project to help communities to secure the future of their historic synagogues. A project that understands the unique challenges that historic synagogues face is essential at a time when so many face an uncertain future. We know how important places of worship are at the heart of communities throughout the UK. Synagogues have a special place in the history and identity of our towns and cities as a focal point for the Jewish community that has played such a significant role in civic life. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the Foundation for Jewish Heritage through this project.”

President of the Board of Deputies Phil Rosenberg said: “The Board of Deputies of British Jews represents communities all over the country. Some of their synagogues are historic buildings – with all the challenges and responsibilities that brings. A key area of the Board’s work is celebrating our faith, heritage and culture and we are delighted to partner on this project with the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, and the Heritage Network, to provide guidance and practical support to those concerned with historic synagogues.”