50°43′16″N 1°52′16″W / 50.721°N 1.871°W / 50.721; -1.871

Bournemouth Community Hebrew Congregation
The east face of the Bournemouth Community Hebrew Congregation's current synagogue building
Religion
AffiliationJudaism
RiteOrthodox Judaism
LeadershipRabbi Adrian Jesner
Location
LocationWootton Gardens, Lansdowne, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
Architecture
TypeSynagogue
StyleArt Nouveau, Moorish Revival
Completed1911
Invalid designation
TypeGrade II listed building
Designated2019
Website
https://www.bhcshul.co.uk/

The Bournemouth Community Hebrew Congregation is an Orthodox synagogue in Lansdowne, Bournemouth, England. Its Rabbi is Adrian Jesner.

History

The congregation was formed in 1905.[1] Albert Samuel, brother of Liberal politician Herbert Samuel, laid the cornerstone[2] of the current synagogue, which was built in 1911.

In 2019, the synagogue was made a Grade II listed building.

Architecture

External synagogue window featuring the Star of David

The curvilinear roof line and window shape reveal what would have been a very contemporary Art Nouveau take on the Moorish Revival style that was extremely popular for synagogues.[1] The squat tower with its square dome and "attractive interlocking window arcade" mark the original entrance. The horseshoe-arched windows to the left are also part of the original facade.

The new entrance, to the right of the tower, and barrel-vaulted interior with a ladies' gallery is the result of a 1957–62 expansion.[1] The Torah Ark, also dating from the 1960s, is a mosaic design by craftsmen from Florence intended to echo the Temple of Solomon by featuring the Biblical columns Boaz and Jachin.[1]

Future plans

The synagogue announced in early 2023 that it plans to sell its current building and move to smaller premises.[3][4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kadish, Sharman. Jewish Heritage in England: An Architectural Guide, English Heritage, 2006, pp. 80–81
  2. ↑ "A Brief History of the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation". www.oldsynagogues.org. 13 March 2003. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  3. ↑ Ben-David, Daniel (2 February 2023). "Bournemouth synagogue is selling up after over a century in its building". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  4. ↑ "Synagogue in Bournemouth set for sale as congregation search for new premises". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
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