East Melbourne breaks ground on community centre

The East Melbourne Synagogue held a building commencement ceremony on Sunday, officially launching construction of a major new three-level community centre.

This follows last years arson attack.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nicholas Reece, and several state and federal members of parliament.

The shule was filled to capacity for the occasion, which came nine months after an arson attack on the synagogue in which someone attempted to set fire to the doors while people were inside.

The new development will feature a contemporary hall and kosher kitchen on the ground floor, a mikveh, and a recreation and learning centre for youth.