Black and white photograph of Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie laying the foundation stone of the Ffynone Synagogue, Swansea, October 1952

Description

A black and white photograph of Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie laying the foundation stone of the Ffynone Synagogue on October 1952.

The Ffynone Synagogue was built to replace Goat Street Synagogue which was destroyed during the ‘Three Nights’ Blitz’ of Swansea that took place from 19 to 21 February 1941. While other religious buildings such as the Unitarian Chapel were used for services following the raid, a new synagogue was clearly needed. Indeed, in August 1945 a price was agreed on for the site of the replacement synagogue. A war damage claim helped with the costs and the foundation stone was laid by Chief Rabbi Dr Israel Brodie on 30 October 1952. The Chief Rabbi also consecrated the synagogue on 28 April 1955 and it opened the same year. In 1980, the 25th Anniversary of the new synagogue: Ffynone Synagogue was celebrated.

Source:

Saunders, N. H. The Swansea Jewish Community: Beginning and Becomings, (Swansea: Unpublished, 1980).

• https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/56815/Swansea-Hebrew-Congregation (link opens in new window)