Hundreds visit a shule for first time

The Great Synagogue welcomed almost 1000 visitors on November 2 as part of the Museums of History NSW’s annual Sydney Open event, including many who had never been inside a shule before.

Renowned as one of Australia’s finest examples of Victorian architecture, the Great Synagogue offered guests a rare opportunity to explore its soaring neo-Gothic arches, intricate stained-glass windows and richly layered history.

Guided tours and interactive displays highlighted the building’s enduring spiritual legacy, and its central role in the story of Jewish life in NSW.

Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton, the shule’s Chief Minister, said, “It was deeply moving to see so many people from diverse backgrounds walk through our doors with curiosity, respect and wonder.

“The Great Synagogue is not only a place of worship, but a cultural treasure, and we are honoured to share it with the wider community.”

The day was expertly prepared and coordinated by the synagogue’s board member Toby Hammerman, with the support of its manager Larry Dorfan and curator Dr Jana Vytrhlik.

Hammerman said it was “truly special” to welcome so many people through the shule.

“Visitors were fascinated by the history and architecture, and it was heartening to see their enthusiasm in discovering the story of our community,” he said.

A maximum of 100 people at a time were let in, and small groups of 10-15 people, seated in the pews, enjoyed a 10-minute introduction by guides, speaking about the shule’s consecration in 1878, its role as the oldest standing and continuously used place of Jewish worship in Sydney, and its architectural importance in the city.

Volunteer guide Joe Gluck said, “In the current climate, where interfaith understanding and cultural openness are more important than ever, this exchange felt especially meaningful.”