Australia's most beautiful & historic Synagogue
The Great Synagogue has its origins in the 1820s, and the first Jewish services in Sydney. A synagogue was founded in York Street in 1844, and although a rival congregation was formed on Macquarie Street, the two communities reunited in 1878 to form The Great. The building is one of the national treasures of Australia, and one of the most beautiful places of worship of any denomination. The glorious Ark, cedar Bimah and pews, stained glass windows, shining brasswork, intricate tiles and star-studded ceiling make any service at The Great Synagogue inspiring. A lifecycle event such as a bar mitzvah or a wedding becomes even more memorable in the historic surroundings of The Great.
The atmosphere on Kol Nidre night with over 1000 people filling the Synagogue is extraordinary. Many families in Sydney have celebrated these occasions with us for four or five generations, whilst others are starting a new tradition. Whether you arrived in Sydney last week, or your family has been here for 150 years, you can come and be part of something unique and special.
Learn more about the history of Australia's Jews in this article by Rabbi Elton.