The Great Synagogue | Sydney |
The Great Synagogue is a Jewish house of worship located in the heart of Sydney.
The Great Synagogue is not only a place of worship, but also a cultural and community center.
The Great Synagogue in Sydney, Australia was designed by non-Jewish architect Thomas Rowe and consecrated in 1878.
Sporadic Jewish worship was originally led in Australia by former convict Joseph Marcus in the 1820s. In 1828, free settler Joseph Cohen commenced regular services in his house in George Street. Temporary premises were later used as their Synagogue until the Egyptian style house of worship in York Street was erected.
Built in the Byzantine style, the Great Synagogue is the Mother Congregation of Sydney Jewry and features touches of Gothic architecture and a stunning "wheel window".
Originally the synagogue was the highest building and focal point of the area; the passage of time, howe'ver, has seen it sandwiched between high commercial buildings on each side.
The interior gives, on entering, the impression of spaciousness and height with its cast iron columns, its plaster decorations to the arches and the panelled and groined ceiling. The stained glass windows and fine light pendants, originally lit by gas, are also worthy of attention.
Free tours and a short film are presented Tuesday & Thursday at noon.
Services
Open Orthodox services Friday night at 5pm and Saturday morning at 8.45am.
Getting There
The entrance to the Great Synagogue is located at 166 Castlereagh Street (nr Park Street).
The Great Synagogue is easily accessible by public transport, including trains and busses. Nearby stations include Town Hall and St James.
Parking
The closest parking stations to The Great Synagogue are Piccadilly Car Park - 137 Castlereagh Street and Secure Parking at the Hilton Hotel, Sydney.
❊ Address ❊
⊜ 166 Castlereagh Street Sydney 2000 View Map
℅ Warrane
✆ Telephone: +61 2 9267 2477
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ The Great Synagogue | Sydney
➼ www.greatsynagogue.org.au
Acknowledgement of Country
Our Synagogue stands on the traditional lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and give thanks to the Elders and Traditional Custodians who have cared for this land for thousands of years. May we walk with care on this land which has provided a home for our Jewish Community. We offer respect to the descendants of the first peoples whose presence and cultures are vital to the nation we share.
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