Oldest synagogue in Johannesburg, South Africa
The Doornfontein Synagogue or Lions Synagogue is the oldest synagogue still in use in Johannesburg, South Africa.[1]
The synagogue is located at 120 Siemert Road, New Doornfontein, two blocks from Ellis Park Stadium. To the left of the synagogue was a Jewish Community Center, which was added in the 1950s as part of an extension to the building.[2] This was later sold off and converted for other uses as the congregation's membership resettled to other suburbs.[2] The synagogue was led by Rabbi Ilan Herrmann until 2017.[3] Herrmann had served the congregation for the last 18 years.[3] Today, the synagogue usually has about 60 congregants for weekly Shabbat services and about 200 congregants for the High Holy Days.[4][2] Most current congregants live outside of Doornfontein, in Sandton, Morningside and Highlands North.[4]
History
The neighbourhood of Doornfontein was founded in 1886,[3] and after wealthy residents moved to more affluent neighbourhoods in the aftermath of the Anglo-Boer War, Doornfontein became popular with Jewish immigrants from the United Kingdom and Western Europe.[1] Beit Street in Doornfontein was once the commercial hub of the neighborhood, with Kosher butchers and other Jewish merchants.[4] During the 1880s, religious services were held at the nearby Rand Club and at private residences.[2]
The Lions Synagogue was the third synagogue to be built in the neighborhood.[2] It was built in 1905 at a cost of £4,000 and nicknamed the "Lions Synagogue" (also commonly known as Lions Shul) after the two cast iron lions watching over either side of the entrance.[3] The architect was Morrie Jacob Harris.[2] A fire damaged the building in 1930. It has been completely restored, but the original look has therefore changed.
References
- ^ a b "Doornfontein Pt.1 (Lion's Shul & Bettelheim Mansion)". Johannesburg 1912 - Suburb by suburb research. 27 April 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f "LIONS SYNAGOGUE". www.africansynagogues.org. African Synagogues. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d Blumenau, Michelle. "Lions Shul still open for business 116 years later". South African Jewish Report. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
- ^ a b c "The Lions Shul, Doornfontein, 1906". www.joburg.org.za. City of Johannesburg. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
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26°11′39″S 28°03′30″E / 26.194035755764038°S 28.058213272790876°E / -26.194035755764038; 28.058213272790876
