Great Synagogue (Sydney)
| The Great Synagogue | |
|---|---|
The Great Synagogue facade and front entrance in Elizabeth Street | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership |
|
| Year consecrated | 4 March 1878 |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 187a Elizabeth Street and 164-166 Castlereagh Street, Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia |
Location in Sydney central business district | |
| Geographic coordinates | 33°52′22″S 151°12′34″E / 33.87265°S 151.20947°E |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) |
|
| Type | Synagogue architecture |
| Style | |
| Completed | 1878 |
| Construction cost | over £23,000: 7 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | East |
| Capacity | 1000 |
| Length | 43 metres (140 ft) |
| Width | 20 metres (64 ft) |
| Materials | Sandstone; brick; timber; slate |
| Official name: The Great Synagogue | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Criteria | a., b., c., d., e., f., g. |
| Designated | 10 September 2004 |
| Reference no. | 1710 |
| Type | Synagogue |
| Category | Religion |
| Builders | Aaron Loveridge (stonework) |
| Website | |
| www | |
The Great Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish congregation located in a large heritage-listed synagogue at 187a Elizabeth Street in the Sydney central business district in the City of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia.
The congregation is the oldest in the Sydney Jewish community, and comprises around 550 families. There are services every day of the week with the exception of Sunday. The service is Orthodox and traditional, with a professional choir singing on Shabbat and Festival mornings and at some evening services.
The synagogue provides pastoral care, adult education, a conversion class, activities for children and families and is the location for important Jewish communal services and events. Its Chief Minister is traditionally regarded as a primary representative of Judaism to the wider community.
Situated opposite Hyde Park, the synagogue building extends to Castlereagh Street. It was designed by Thomas Rowe and constructed between 1874 and 1878, with the stonework done by Aaron Loveridge and stone carving by Thomas Wran. The synagogue was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 September 2004. The building is also listed on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate.