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 very old and special Jewish place of worship in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. It's located at 59 Argyle Street. This synagogue is the oldest one still standing in Australia!
It's also a rare example of the Egyptian Revival style of architecture. This means it looks a bit like ancient Egyptian buildings. It was built in 1845. You can see this style in its unique trapezoid-shaped windows. Also, its columns have designs that look like lotus flowers.
The land where the synagogue stands used to be a garden. It belonged to a former convict named Judah Solomon. The synagogue can seat 150 people. It even has hard benches at the back. These were for Jewish convicts who were brought there by guards a long time ago. The synagogue is officially listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. This means it's a very important historical building.
Contents
History of the Synagogue
The idea to build a synagogue came up in the 1830s. This was when the Jewish community in Hobart started to grow. The Hobart Hebrew Congregation Synagogue was officially opened on July 4, 1845.
A Scottish convict named James Thomson designed the building. He was an architect in Hobart Town. He had been pardoned in 1829.
Growth and Changes Over Time
By the 1840s, there were enough Jewish people in Tasmania. They were also doing well enough to build synagogues. One was built in Hobart Town in 1845. Another was built in Launceston in 1846.
In 1846, the first Jewish minister was appointed. This helped set up regular religious practices. In 1848, a census counted 435 Jewish people in Tasmania. This was the highest number ever recorded for the area.
However, the number of Jewish people later went down. Some settlers moved back to England. Others left for different parts of Australia or New Zealand. The Launceston Synagogue closed in 1871.
The Hobart Hebrew Congregation kept its community alive. Even when there was no minister (from 1873–1911 and 1922–1942), members still led Sabbath services.
New Life for the Community
From 1938, many European refugees arrived in Tasmania. This helped to bring new life to the Jewish community. Ministers were appointed again from 1943. But after 1956, members once again had to lead the services.
Other Egyptian Revival Buildings
Several synagogues and churches were built in the Egyptian Revival style. This happened in the early 1800s. Only a few of these buildings are still standing today.
Some examples include the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville. Also, the First Presbyterian Church in New York. The Old Synagogue at Canterbury in England is another example. The Launceston Synagogue also shared this unique style.
Current Use of the Synagogue
The Hobart Synagogue is very important to Jewish culture in Hobart. It is the only building owned by the community.
The community welcomes all Jewish people. It currently holds both Orthodox and Progressive services.
The Jewish community in Tasmania was very small in the early 1970s. The census showed fewer than 100 Jewish people in Hobart. But since then, the numbers have grown. In 2001, there were 180 Jewish people. The 2016 census recorded 248 Jewish people in Tasmania.
Images for kids
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Convict bench
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Ark
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Seat number
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Torahs
See also
In Spanish: Sinagoga de Hobart para niños
