Norwich Hebrew Congregation

Norwich was an important centre of Jewish life in Medieval times. There was an active community here in 11th and 12th century, with a sad history of persecution although they acted as important money lenders to the king and the first recorded Hebrew poetry written in England was by Meir of Norwich. Jurnet’s house in Norwich is one of the earliest Jewish houses in England. It is also Norwich that was sadly the site of origin of the infamous Blood Libel in 1144, which is said by many to be the origin of antisemitism in the world. After the expulsion of the Jews from England in 1290, the Jews did not officially return until the interregnum period of Oliver Cromwell. Jews did not appear in Norwich until 1750 and we have had a community here since that period.

Today there is a small but active Congregation with a resident Minister. We hold regular religious services, educational activities and cultural events. The Synagogue is located at 3 Earlham Rd, opposite the Catholic Cathedral. This lovely building was consecrated in 1969 following the destruction of our Victorian Synagogue in 1942 and 20 years of a temporary Synagogue also at Earlham Road. A fuller history of the community can be found on this website.

Services are held regularly each Shabbat morning at 10 am; we are traditional and use the siddur updated by the late Rabbi Lord Sacks. We have men’s seating, women’s seating and mixed seating areas. Following the service, a Kiddush is served in the communal hall. We have occasional Friday evening services and a Bring and Share supper. Visitors are very much welcomed at our services, although we do ask for notification of your visit, as, in common with other Synagogues, we run a security check.

All festivals are celebrated, sometimes with meals, and there is a communal Seder each year. A cheder for the children is also held at the weekends.
Fund raising has been in hand for a few years to improve the communal facilities and with the aim of creating a Jewish Community and Heritage Centre.

Contact

E-mail
enquiries@norwichsynagogue.org.uk
Website
www.norwichsynagogue.org.uk
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Where to go

Name
Norwich Synagogue
Address
3, Earlham Road
Norwich
Norfolk
Postcode
NR2 3RA
View NR2 3RA on a map

Last Updated: 26 January 2023

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