The Congregation of Jacob


The Congregation of Jacob

The UK's first Mizrachi Synagogue

Location: 351-353 Commercial Road, E1 2PS

Description: Founded by Morris Koenigsberg and Abraham Schwalbe in 1903, this was the UK's first Mizrachi Synagogue and remarkably 'The Congregation of Jacob' is one of three East End synagogues still attending its congregation.

Before occupying the present premises in 1921 the first generation of immigrant Polish, Lithuanian and Russian Orthodox Jews from small shtetls such as Stetziver, Kalisz and Vikaviskis, likely met in Mr Koenigsburg's family home near here on Commercial Road.

Previously the building was a cobblers, transformed in the 1920s by Lewis Solomon & Son, honorary architects to the Federation of Synagogues, to feature high sweeping balconies and side benches gathered around a central space for worship. The building features a striking black Star of David atop the apex of the roof.

While the synagogue is affiliated to three burial societies, Federation, Adath and Chesed Ve'emeth, it takes pride in its independence, being as it is owned and managed by members of the community.

A 2002 English Heritage Report stated that Kehillas Ya'akov is a remarkable survival... and is all the more exceptional for continuing in use as a synagogue.

The members are currently engaged in a regeneration project, which involves not only the restoration of their building to its original beauty, but also a welcoming spirit inviting all who come to take part in their community.

Themes: ReligionReligion Theme
The Congregation of Jacob

The UK's first Mizrachi Synagogue

Ranking This Month: 1759/3069

Pages Hit This Month: 20


Credits: http://www.congregationofjacob.org/

Your Comments:

Name:
Email:
Your email will ONLY be used once, to confirm the publication of your comments. We value your contribution and privacy.

Anti-spam Security: Please enter this code:


Other places nearby:


L Ron Hubbard lived here», 3.6km

George Harrison's Hare Temple», 15.km

New West End Synagogue», 5.8km

The Congregation of Jacob», 0km

Blavatsky Lodge», 6.5km

Oldest Synagogue in England», 1.0km

A Right Religious Residence», 3.0km

Miracle at the Vishwa Temple», 13.km

Sri Murugan Temple», 5.3km

Buddhism at home in London», 9.1km

Location Pinpointed:


Open Street Maps», Google Maps»