Portsmouth Synagogue
Item
-
Name
-
Portsmouth Synagogue
-
Also Known As
-
Queen Street Synagogue
-
Dates
-
1742-1936
-
Location
-
Portsmouth & Southsea
-
Type
-
Intangible
-
Description
-
This original Portsmouth Synagogue was constructed in 1742, on White's Row off Queen Street.
-
It was rebuilt and enlarged in 1780, and became known as the Queen Street Synagogue.
In 1890, the Portsmouth Evening News reported that the synagogue appeared 'in a new and improved dress' following restoration works. The synagogue was reconsecrated by the Reverend Dr H. Adler, Delegate Chief Rabbi.
While the conservation of the synagogue was welcomed, the newspaper also noted that Portsmouth had once been home to a larger Jewish population, recording a 'gradual falling off, until now only fifty Jewish families are resident in Portsmouth'.
In 1910, a Mr. H. Edwards arranged a meeting at the synagogue regarding the formation of a Jewish Naturalisation Society in Portsmouth. The aim of the society was to enable foreign residents to become British subjects. The society was reportedly popular with the Jewish residents of Portsmouth, and the Warden of the Congregation, a Mr. S. A. Levy, was nominated as chairman.
Portsmouth & Southsea Synagogue