The end for Burwood shul
A GEOGRAPHICAL shift of congregants has led to the demise of Burwood Hebrew Congregation in Melbourne's southern suburbs.
A GEOGRAPHICAL shift of congregants has led to the demise of Burwood Hebrew Congregation in Melbourne’s southern suburbs.
The 46-year-old shul, which held its services at Mount Scopus Memorial College, drew some 130 worshippers in its heyday, but could barely summon a minyan in recent years, secretary Dr Gerald Segal told The AJN this week.
“This year our membership was down to 27. People have moved out of Burwood and district, and from Waverley. We had all that area, but there are very few Jewish people living there now.”
Dr Segal said several of the shul’s congregants have indicated they will go to services at Auburn Road Centre, located at Bialik College.
While it has had several ­chazans, budgetary limitations meant Burwood synagogue has not had its own rabbi for some years, he said.
“The services were fantastic and family-friendly. Everyone always got called up. They would always make sure everyone felt involved. It’s sad to see it end,” said Dr Segal, who joined the synagogue in 1978, at the urging of his cousins. He has been secretary for five years, serving with president Jock Orkin.
A farewell event will be held on June 27, to which the shul has invited Mount Scopus principal Rabbi James Kennard and president Lisa Kennett to share in almost half-a-century of memories.
“We’ll have a closing ceremony and a plaque erected to say that Burwood Hebrew Congregation existed,” Dr Segal said.
The remainder of the shul’s budget will be donated to Mount Scopus College.
The Burwood shul farewell will be held at Mount Scopus Memorial College on Sunday, June 27, 11 am. Enquiries: Dr Gerald Segal (03) 9570 7942.
PETER KOHN
PHOTO:One of the stained-glass windows in the Mount Scopus shul, whose premises Burwood Hebrew Congregation used for 46 years.
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