Dunedin Synagogue facts for kids
The Dunedin Synagogue is a special historic building in Dunedin, New Zealand. A synagogue is a place where Jewish people gather for worship and community. This synagogue is thought to be the world's most southerly permanent synagogue. Another synagogue was open for a short time in South Dunedin from 2017 to 2019.
The name "Dunedin Synagogue" can mean two things. It can refer to the old building itself. It can also mean the group of Jewish people who worship there, called the Dunedin Jewish Congregation.
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Dunedin's First Synagogue Building
The first group of Jewish people in Dunedin met in January 1862. They gathered at the home of H.E. Nathan on George Street. There were 43 members, so they needed a bigger, permanent place to meet.
They chose a spot on Moray Place. A new synagogue was designed by W. H. Sumner. It was built and opened in September 1863. This building was used until 1881. By then, the group had grown too large for it.
The building was later sold to the Freemasons. They used it as a Masonic Lodge until 1992. After that, it became a private home. In the 2000s, it was an art gallery called the Temple Gallery. Today, it is a private home again. This building is the most southerly permanent synagogue site ever.
The Second Synagogue Building
By 1875, the Jewish community was planning a larger synagogue. The group had grown so much that the new building would be very big. It was planned to be one of the largest synagogues in the southern part of the world. It would also be one of the biggest places of worship in Dunedin.
The new building opened in 1881. It was built almost directly across Moray Place from the first synagogue. Louis Boldini designed it with a front decorated with Doric columns. This large building could hold up to 600 people.
This second building served as the city's main synagogue until 1965. By then, the number of people in the congregation had become smaller. They moved to a new, smaller building on George Street. The large Boldini synagogue was sold to the Y.M.C.A.. It was torn down soon after to make way for their new building. Today, a multi-storey car park stands where this grand synagogue once was.
The Current Synagogue Building
The current, or third, synagogue was built in 1965. It is located in Dunedin North, close to the University of Otago. This building is more simple than the older ones. It is compact and made of concrete blocks.
John Goldwater, a Jewish New Zealand architect, designed it. He also famously designed the Auckland Jewish community centre. Like the synagogues before it, this building also claims to be the world's most southerly permanent synagogue.
The Dunedin Jewish Congregation
The Dunedin Jewish Congregation is a Progressive Jewish community. They are part of the Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ). This is a regional part of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Services are usually held about once a month on a Friday. They also hold services for most Jewish holidays.
See also
In Spanish: Sinagoga Dunedin para niños
