{"id":13883,"date":"2024-11-24T22:39:42","date_gmt":"2024-11-24T22:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/?p=13883"},"modified":"2024-11-24T22:39:44","modified_gmt":"2024-11-24T22:39:44","slug":"jews-in-manchester-the-history-of-the-community-and-synagogue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-jews-in-manchester-the-history-of-the-community-and-synagogue","title":{"rendered":"Jews in Manchester: The History of the Community and Synagogue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Manchester, known globally for its rich industrial history and cultural diversity, has also long been a significant centre of Jewish life in the UK. While the history of Manchester&#8217;s Jewish community may not be as extensive as in other cities, it plays an essential role in the city\u2019s story of resilience, faith, and integration. At the heart of Jewish life in Manchester for many years has been the Reform Synagogue. This article explores the history of Manchester\u2019s Jewish community, the establishment of its synagogue, and its enduring legacy. Next on <a href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/uk\/\">imanchester.info<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ffc9cfdb067\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ffc9cfdb067\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-jews-in-manchester-the-history-of-the-community-and-synagogue\/#Early_Jewish_Settlement_in_Manchester\" >Early Jewish Settlement in Manchester<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-jews-in-manchester-the-history-of-the-community-and-synagogue\/#Political_and_Social_Context_of_Community_Development\" >Political and Social Context of Community Development<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-jews-in-manchester-the-history-of-the-community-and-synagogue\/#Establishment_of_the_Synagogue\" >Establishment of the Synagogue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-jews-in-manchester-the-history-of-the-community-and-synagogue\/#Restoration_from_Ruins\" >Restoration from Ruins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-jews-in-manchester-the-history-of-the-community-and-synagogue\/#Continuing_the_Communitys_Legacy\" >Continuing the Community\u2019s Legacy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Jewish_Settlement_in_Manchester\"><\/span>Early Jewish Settlement in Manchester<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.imanchester.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2024\/07\/17193544\/ad_4nxd1640ixals0fh_ekjkkj6cdwjm2rpe9bjfu8d11_gxnfk_lg3nzrcmpnolfjs7ja2kmhhasdirdugalb8dco68b0lecq3l5hiz3wpfzf4wz03yb4lo1j0alet9fvl9qdneqq339jqlo1qqros8tcvul60keygiv82n4qnrbnu94ky6q6gw.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Jewish presence in Manchester dates back to the late 18th century. The first Jewish settlers, like many others, came to the city drawn by its growing textile industry. Early Jewish immigrants were primarily traders and peddlers seeking better economic opportunities. Over time, the Jewish population grew significantly, necessitating the creation of the first official Jewish community institution in Manchester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Political_and_Social_Context_of_Community_Development\"><\/span>Political and Social Context of Community Development<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.imanchester.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2024\/07\/17193543\/ad_4nxcc-ukydfvjgojdnqav833xzu6zzun76tgpbvofbot8m6z0yf0onskzryol7qxtkl7xlkphkqelwme07hczfaffezjjuplsufucvpryph80yk8oerzzlqfzqjuqktxifgckpev4wu8j_7jqgi81voa00_mkeygiv82n4qnrbnu94ky6q6gw.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It is essential to consider the political and social backdrop that shaped the growth of Manchester\u2019s Jewish community. In the 18th century, Jews in Manchester, as in the rest of Britain, had no political rights and were not allowed to purchase property. Anti-Semitic attitudes were widespread among Manchester\u2019s residents. Many Jews worked as hawkers or pedlars and relied on safe havens in welcoming homes to form temporary prayer groups (minyans) for observing Shabbat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, Manchester\u2019s press was often overtly anti-Semitic, creating further challenges for the Jewish population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally, many Jews worked in trades such as waste collection, jewellery making, and calligraphy. Others became moneylenders, seal engravers, watchmakers, and miniature painters. While these professions were often profitable, they also made Jews targets of accusations when dishonest individuals used these skills for forgery or theft. Consequently, Jews faced widespread suspicion and distrust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Establishment_of_the_Synagogue\"><\/span>Establishment of the Synagogue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.imanchester.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2024\/07\/17193542\/ad_4nxdf5seqagwuv9atuhl3vt8ckd5biofrp3sf3umfvalcisnr6vduvmb4i67lhumjbjzxlyhalbh-s4iiztl2howgybaw9oav6obfq0fizx5_hvmpqzrnyhxw3p8ikgbudmuxxhnq4x6wp6lkmlranrniol8skeygiv82n4qnrbnu94ky6q6gw.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the difficulties faced by Manchester\u2019s Jews, their community expanded and developed rapidly. In 1786, the city\u2019s first synagogue was established. It was modest, located in a rented room at Ainsworth Court on Long Millgate. Jewish families began to settle in the surrounding streets near the synagogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The history of Manchester\u2019s Reform Synagogue began in the mid-19th century. In 1857, Horatio Michollis, the first president, and Rabbi Solomon Marcus Schiller-Szinessy led a group of German-Jewish immigrants in Manchester to form a congregation. Notably, this was the second Reform congregation established in Britain and the first outside London. The Jewish community grew and flourished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Reform Synagogue opened its doors to the Jewish community in Manchester in 1858. Located on Park Place, Cheetham Hill Road, it became a vital hub of Jewish life in Manchester. Offering a range of religious services, educational programs, and community events, the synagogue fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere for Jews of all backgrounds and income levels. It served as a gathering place, a venue for celebrations, and a source of support during difficult times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For over 80 years, the synagogue thrived, reflecting the growth of Manchester\u2019s Jewish community. However, during World War II, the synagogue faced devastating destruction. In June 1941, it was completely demolished during a massive air raid on Manchester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Restoration_from_Ruins\"><\/span>Restoration from Ruins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After World War II, in 1949, the community purchased a plot of land on Jackson\u2019s Row in Manchester to build a new synagogue. Funds for the project were provided by the War Damage Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new synagogue, completed in the early 1950s, was significantly larger than its predecessor. It included a banquet hall and classrooms, accommodating the community\u2019s expanding needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 21st century, however, the synagogue building faced demolition. Manchester\u2019s city council planned to clear the area for a redevelopment project around St Michael\u2019s Church. Ultimately, an agreement was reached to sell the property, and Manchester Reform Synagogue officially closed its doors in 2022. The building was demolished in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Continuing_the_Communitys_Legacy\"><\/span>Continuing the Community\u2019s Legacy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the synagogue building no longer stands, the Reform Synagogue and the Jewish community continue to thrive. Since 2022, the Jewish community has used temporary premises located in the chapel of the University of Manchester on Oxford Road.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Manchester, known globally for its rich industrial history and cultural diversity, has also long been a significant centre of Jewish life in the UK. While the history of Manchester&#8217;s Jewish community may not be as extensive as in other cities, it plays an essential role in the city\u2019s story of resilience, faith, and integration. At [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":515,"featured_media":13580,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4818],"tags":[],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[88],"moimportance":[32,35],"class_list":{"0":"post-13883","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cultural","8":"motype-eternal","9":"moformat-copywriting","10":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","11":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13883","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/515"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13883"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13883\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13884,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13883\/revisions\/13884"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13580"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13883"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13883"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13883"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=13883"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=13883"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=13883"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}