Visiting Chatham Memorial Synagogue

Foundation Trustee Prof David Latchman and Chief Executive Michael Mail recently visited the striking Grade II* Chatham Memorial synagogue in Kent. The synagogue was built in memory of Captain Lazarus Magnus by his father Simon who was a local businessman, and it opened in 1870.

The visit was hosted by Dalia Halpern-Matthews, whose family have a long association with the synagogue. Its leadership is currently considering a major development project which will help to preserve the building, and also enable the synagogue to play a more significant role as a cultural and educational centre.

A unique feature of the synagogue is the fact that it is the only one in the UK that has a cemetery attached.

The Foundation was able to explain its approach to its own synagogue development projects, and important lessons learnt that would be useful for Chatham as it develops its own plans.