Synagogues of Britain and Ireland

An Architectural and Social History

Kadish Sharman

The religious buildings of the Jewish community in Britain have never been explored in print. Lavishly illustrated with previously unpublished images and photographs taken specially by English Heritage, this book traces the architecture of the synagogue in Britain and Ireland from its discreet Georgian- and Regency-era beginnings to the golden age of the grand "cathedral synagogues" of the High Victorian period. Sharman Kadish sheds light on obscure and sometimes underappreciated architects who designed synagogues for all types of worshipers – from Orthodox and Reform congregations to Yiddish-speaking immigrants in the 1900s. She examines the relationship between architectural style and minority identity in British society and looks at design issues in the contemporary synagogue.

About the Author

Sharman Kadish is the Director of Jewish Heritage UK and a research fellow and lecturer at the Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Manchester. Her numerous publications include the companion guidebooks "Jewish Heritage in England" and "Jewish Heritage in Gibraltar".

Reviews

"Lavishly illustrated with previously unpublished images and photographs taken especially by English Heritage, this magnificent new book traces the architecture of the synagogue in Britain and Ireland from its discreet Georgian – and Regency-era beginnings to the golden age of the grand 'cathedral synagogues' of the High Victorian period... So if you are looking for a gift for the friend or relative who has everything, you could do no better than delight him or her with this unique guide to Jewish life in these islands" – Dr. Yaakov Wise, Jewish Tribune

"In 'The Synagogues of Great Britain and Northern Ireland' she has achieved a triumph. This volume is more comprehensive than the Guide, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and synagogues which have been pulled down or assigned to other uses" – Janet Levin, Jewish Renaissance

"Sumptuously illustrated... The book is a masterpiece" – Stephen Games, Jewish Chronicle

"Sharman Kadish is one of the few historians in this country who has successfully brought Jewish history into the mainstream... I thoroughly recommend this book" – Michael Brod, The Victorian

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