Central City News: Synagogue to open its doors; HERITAGE: Chance to glimpse the beauty of 150-year-old building.Byline: By Poppy Brady ONE of the oldest working Victorian synagogues in Britain lies in the heart of Birmingham and it will be opening its doors to celebrate the European Day of Jewish Heritage. Singers Hill, in Blucher Street, a Grade II starred listed building, is currently marking its 150th anniversary and represents one of the oldest and most beautiful synagogues in the country. The heritage day is being held on Sunday and the synagogue will be open between 10am and 1pm to give visitors guided tours. Designed by the architect Yeoville Thomason H. R. Yeoville Thomason (1826-1901) was an architect in Birmingham, England. He was born in Edinburgh to a Birmingham family. Thomason set up his own practice in Birmingham 1853-1854. He was a grandson of Sir Edward Thomason, a button and toy maker in Birmingham. , who was also responsible for the Council House and the city art gallery, many of its original features are still visible today. Members who come to pray on a regular basis are still inspired by its magnificence. Warren Lessar, heritage liaison officer and organiser for the day, said: "Singers Hill Synagogue is one of the great historic assets of our city as well as of Ango Jewry. On Sunday people will be able to experience the charm and true wonder of the architecture of the main synagogue. Our holy Torah or religious scrolls will be displayed in their full glory from the ark." Singers Hill was built in an Italianate style in 1856. Its foundation stone was laid on 20 April 1855, and was opened just over a year later by the then Chief Rabbi "Chief Rabbinate" redirects here. See also Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Chief Rabbi is a title given in several countries to the recognised religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities. Dr Nathan Adler Nathan Adler (1741-1800) was a German kabalist born in Frankfurt, December 16, 1741. As a precocious child he won the admiration of Chaim Joseph David Azulai (Chida), who, in 1752, came to Frankfurt to solicit contributions for the poor of Palestine. . The total cost of the building came to pounds 9,363/11/6d. Dr Adler described the synagogue as "an honour to the architect, a glory to the community and an ornament ornament, in architecture ornament, in architecture, decorative detail enhancing structures. Structural ornament, an integral part of the framework, includes the shaping and placement of the buttress, cornice, molding, ceiling, and roof and the capital and to the town". CAPTION(S): ITALIANATE... the Singers Hill synagogue in Blucher Street. |
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