Sinai Synagogue (Leeds) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sinai Synagogue, Leeds |
|
|---|---|
The synagogue in 2008
|
|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rachel Weston (Cantor) |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Roman Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England LS8 2AN |
| Country | United Kingdom |
 Location in Yorkshire and the Humber
|
|
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Halpern & Associate |
| Architectural type | Synagogue architecture |
| Architectural style | Modernist |
| Date established | 1944 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1960 |
The Sinai Synagogue is a special Jewish place of worship, also known as a synagogue. It is located on Roman Avenue in Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, in the United Kingdom. This community follows a type of Judaism called Reform Judaism. The group started in 1944 and is part of the Movement for Reform Judaism.
How the Synagogue Started
Before World War II, most Jewish people in Leeds followed Orthodox Judaism. This is a more traditional form of Judaism.
In 1944, Rabbi L. Graf from a Reform Synagogue in Bradford wanted to start a new Jewish community in Leeds. On January 8, 1944, he led a service for just six people in a house in Oakwood.
More and more people joined the group. Because of this, their services moved to different places. In November 1951, they bought an old Sephardi Synagogue building. This building was at 21 Leopold Street, Leeds 7. They used it until September 16, 1960.
Building the New Synagogue
In 1957, the community began planning for a brand new building. This new synagogue would be on Roman Avenue. Construction started in March 1960. The building was finished in November of the same year.
The design for the synagogue was created by Halpern & Associates from London. On June 12, 1960, a special foundation stone was laid. A part of Harehills Cemetery was also set aside for the community's use. The new synagogue building was officially opened on November 6, 1960.
Community Growth and Activities
In 1969, the Sinai Synagogue was recognized as a very important group. The Leeds Jewish Representative Council gave them a seat on their Executive committee. This showed how much the synagogue had grown.
The synagogue offered many cultural activities, like religious classes. These classes became so popular that the rooms were too small. So, in 1965, a temporary building was put up in the car park. This extra space was used until 1985. By then, more permanent rooms had been added to the main synagogue building.
The community has a special burial ground at Harehills Cemetery in Leeds. This cemetery is still used today. Leeds City Council helps to manage it.
The Sinai Synagogue also publishes its own magazine. It is called the Sinai Chronicle and comes out four times a year.
