Robert Bradlaw facts for kids
Robert Bradlaw (born Reuven Brudno; 22 February 1840 – ?) was a dentist and an important Jewish leader in Dublin, Ireland. He helped many Jewish people who moved to Dublin.
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Early Life and Moves
Robert Bradlaw was born as Reuven Brudno in Smorgon, Belarus on February 22, 1840. He moved to England in 1867. Later, in 1880, he moved to Dublin, Ireland.
Helping the Community
Bradlaw was very active in the Jewish community in Dublin. People affectionately called him "the prince of the immigrants" because he helped so many new people settle in.
Starting New Places
In 1883, he started a synagogue (a Jewish house of worship) at 7 St. Kevin's Parade. This synagogue was for Jewish people from Eastern Europe who were moving to Ireland.
He also created a new chevra kadisha (a group that prepares bodies for burial according to Jewish law) and a cemetery in Dolphin's Barn in 1898. This new cemetery replaced an older one. Robert Bradlaw himself was later buried there.
Why He Started a Synagogue
The newspaper The Jewish Chronicle reported that Bradlaw started his own synagogue because he was not allowed to join the main Dublin Hebrew Congregation. He wanted to create a place where everyone felt welcome. He raised £300 to help fund the new chevra kadisha.
Other Contributions
Bradlaw also took part in the opening ceremony for the Adelaide Road Synagogue in 1892. This shows how important he was in the Jewish community.
His Family
Robert Bradlaw's family continued to make important contributions. His grandson, Professor Robert Vivian Bradlaw (1905–1992), became a famous dentist. He helped start the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He also led the Eastman Dental Hospital from 1959 to 1970.
Bradlaw's son-in-law, Dr George Selig Wigoder, was a wise scholar who studied the Talmud (a central text of Jewish law and tradition).
