Doornfontein Synagogue

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The Doornfontein Synagogue or Lions Synagogue is the oldest synagogue still in use in Johannesburg, South Africa. [1]

The synagogue is located at 120 Siemert Road, New Doornfontein, two blocks from Ellis Park Stadium. To the left of the synagogue was a Jewish Community Center, which was added in the 1950s as part of an extension to the building. [2] This was later sold off and converted for other uses as the congregation's membership resettled to other suburbs. [2] The synagogue was led by Rabbi Ilan Herrmann until 2017. [3] Herrmann had served the congregation for the last 18 years. [3] Today, the synagogue usually has about 60 congregants for weekly Shabbat services and about 200 congregants for the High Holy Days. [4] [2] Most current congregants live outside of Doornfontein, in Sandton, Morningside and Highlands North. [4]

History

The neighbourhood of Doornfontein was founded in 1886, [3] and after wealthy residents moved to more affluent neighbourhoods in the aftermath of the Anglo-Boer War, Doornfontein became popular with Jewish immigrants from the United Kingdom and Western Europe. [1] Beit Street in Doornfontein was once the commercial hub of the neighborhood, with Kosher butchers and other Jewish merchants. [4] During the 1880s, religious services were held at the nearby Rand Club and at private residences. [2]

The Lions Synagogue was the third synagogue to be built in the neighborhood. [2] It was built in 1905 at a cost of £4,000 and nicknamed the "Lions Synagogue" (also commonly known as Lions Shul) after the two cast iron lions watching over either side of the entrance. [3] The architect was Morrie Jacob Harris. [2] A fire damaged the building in 1930. It has been completely restored, but the original look has therefore changed.

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References

  1. 1 2 "Doornfontein Pt.1 (Lion's Shul & Bettelheim Mansion)". Johannesburg 1912 - Suburb by suburb research. 27 April 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "LIONS SYNAGOGUE". www.africansynagogues.org. African Synagogues. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Blumenau, Michelle. "Lions Shul still open for business 116 years later". South African Jewish Report. Retrieved 27 December 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 "The Lions Shul, Doornfontein, 1906". www.joburg.org.za. City of Johannesburg. Retrieved 27 December 2019.

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