Blackpool Synagogue

A stunning grade 2 listed building that I had the honor of being shown round by a late family friend 'Phil Lewis'    - Little snippets of a time long gone and how a synagogue and faith join together.


Blackpool United Hebrew Congregation was founded in about 1907 with the merger of Blackpool Hebrew Congregation which had been founded in 1898. The Blackpool New Orthodox Hebrew Congregation was founded in 1905. The synagogue was originally located in Springfield Road, North Shore. The current synagogue in Leamington Road was consecrated in 1916.



The synagogue closed in May 2012, as the community numbers had fallen below a viable congregation. The last service, conducted by Cantor Steven Robins LRCM, was held on 13 May 2012 accompanied by the Shabbaton Choir. The synagogue was packed for the occasion with many former members and children and grandchildren of congregants from previous years attending. The sermon was given by Rabbi Arnold Saunders of Manchester, a previous Minister.
The last Minister of the synagogue was Rabbi David Braunold who assumed the pulpit in 1985 and departed for the St Anne's Hebrew Congregation in 2010. Rabbi Braunold gave the welcoming address at the last service.

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