Hobart Synagogue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hobart Synagogue |
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The Hobart Synagogue
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Rite | Orthodox and Progressive |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Synagogue |
| Ownership | Hobart Hebrew Congregation |
| Year consecrated | 1845 |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 59 Argyle Street, Hobart, Tasmania |
| Country | Australia |
 Location in Hobart
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | James Thomson |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Architectural style | Egyptian Revival |
| Founder |
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| Completed | 1845 |
| Reference no. | 2,150 |
The Hobart Synagogue is a special place of worship for Jewish people in Hobart, Tasmania. It is famous for being the oldest synagogue still in use in Australia. A synagogue is a building where Jewish people meet for prayer and community events.
This building is also known for its unique design, called the Egyptian Revival style. This style was inspired by ancient Egypt. You can see this in the building's trapezoid-shaped windows and columns that look like lotus flowers. Built in 1845, the synagogue is an important historical landmark.
The synagogue holds regular services for both Orthodox and Progressive Jewish groups. It has enough seats for 150 people. A special feature is the hard wooden benches at the back. These were for Jewish convicts who were brought to services under guard in the early days of the colony.
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The Synagogue's Unique History
The idea to build a synagogue came about in the 1830s as the Jewish community in Hobart began to grow. The Hobart Hebrew Congregation Synagogue officially opened on July 4, 1845.
Who Built the Synagogue?
The building was designed by an architect named James Thomson. He was a Scottish man who had been sent to Tasmania as a convict. A convict was a person sent from Britain to Australia for breaking the law. After serving his time, Thomson was pardoned and became a respected architect in Hobart.
The land for the synagogue was once part of a garden owned by Judah Solomon, who had also been a convict.
A Rare Style of Architecture
In the 1800s, the Egyptian Revival style was popular for some important buildings. However, not many of them are still standing today. The Hobart Synagogue is one of the few surviving examples in the world.
Other buildings with this style include:
- The Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville, USA
- The First Presbyterian Church in New York, USA
- The Old Synagogue in Canterbury, England
- The Launceston Synagogue, also in Tasmania
The Synagogue Today
The Hobart Synagogue is the heart of the Jewish community in Tasmania. It is the only building owned by the community and serves as a center for Jewish culture and events.
The community welcomes all Jewish people. Over the years, the number of Jewish people in Tasmania has changed. In the 1970s, there were fewer than 100. By the 2021 census, the number had grown to 376. The synagogue continues to be an active and important place for them.
Gallery
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A bench where convicts once sat during services.
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The Ark, a special cabinet where the sacred Torah scrolls are kept.
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A numbered seat inside the synagogue.
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The Torah scrolls, which contain the most important texts of Judaism.
See also
In Spanish: Sinagoga de Hobart para niños
- List of synagogues in Australia
- Oldest synagogues in the world
- History of the Jews in Australia
