York’s Orthodox synagogue closes its doors for the last time

The final Orthodox synagogue in York closed 50 years ago, but Jews finally set foot in the building again last week, when a deconsecration service was held.

Aldwark Synagogue opened in 1892 — the first time a Jewish service had been held in the city since the expulsion of Jews in 1290. For nearly over years until its closure in 1975, the synagogue was on the upper floor of a joiner’s workshop, and work was reportedly paused so as not to disturb the prayer services.

In 2009, the building was offered to the independent minyan in Lincoln, which, earlier this year, returned it to the York community after their numbers declined.

A developer has since purchased the property, with the intention of converting it into two flats.

According to an article in the Jewish Telegraph, the idea for a deconsecration service came about thanks to the efforts of Howard Duckworth, of the York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC).

Due to the York’s Orthodox synagogue’s affiliation to the United Hebrew Congregation in Leeds, Mr Duckworth contacted Rabbi Alby Chait of the UHC. Mr Duckworth held one of the synagogue’s Sifrei Torah throughout the service and, at the end, he led attendees out of the building, for the last time, with the scrolls, to the timeless tune of Adon Olam.

According to the Jewish Telegraph, Rabbi Chait said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be here today. There is an immense sense of pride in the history of this congregation.

“When asked to conduct this service, it filled me with excitement that all of us here today could enter a building that has not been entered by any member of the Jewish community since 1975.”

Rabbi Alby Chait and Howard Duckworth, holding a Torah scroll, during the deconsecration ceremony at Aldwark Synagogue[Missing Credit]

Mr Duckworth said: “It will be a number of years before those present today forget this momentous occasion.”

Stephen Brown, one of a number of congregants who had come from Leeds UHC to take part in the deconsecration service, recalled going to the York shul between 1964 and 1971. He recalled the late Rabbi Solomon Brown, who led Leeds UHC, travelling to York to run services.

Lillian Coulson, who is York Liberal Jewish Community’s engagement officer, has been working with York’s planning office and York Civic Trust to ensure that the redevelopment “respects and reflects its historic former use and that its Jewish history should be commemorated long term”, said a spokesperson for the YLJC.

They added: “As York’s current Jewish community, we considered it a mitzvah to work with the developer to ensure that the Aldward synagogue’s usage and history has been given the respect that it deserves.”

There are now plans to install a Blue Plaque in a prominent position on the outside of the building.

York Interfaith Group chairman Tina Funnell said: “I was honoured to attend the service to acknowledge and remember the long history and presence of our Jewish neighbours and friends in York. They continue to be an active and positive group in the city and public life.”

The YLJC spokesperson said: “As a small part of York’s important long Jewish history, we at YLJC hope to welcome many people into our community to continue to grow Jewish life again within the ancient walls. We hope in the not-too-distant future to have our own synagogue building, where we will be able to welcome both our Jewish and interfaith friends.”