Belfast Synagogue

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The Belfast Hebrew Congregation is the Jewish community in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The community follows the Ashkenazi Orthodox ritual. Membership has fluctuated from 78 in 1900, approximately 1500 during World War II, about 375 after World War II, and 200 in 1999. The congregation was fewer than 80 people.HistoryEstablished in 1870, first two "ministers" were Reverend Joseph Chotzner and Rev. Jacob Myers. Having immigrated in 1851, M. A. Jaffe was instrumental in founding the synagogue. Later, the position was filled by Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, who later become Chief Rabbi of Ireland and Israel, and Rabbi Jacob Shachter, 1926–1954.Elizabeth Jane Caulfield, the Countess of Charlemont, regularly attended the synagogue and apparently converted to Judaism there.Otto Jaffe, Lord Mayor of Belfast, was life-president of the Belfast Hebrew Congregation, which worshipped at the Great Victoria Street synagogue.BuildingsCurrently located on Somerton Road, the congregation previously had the Synagogue building on Annesley Street and Great Victoria Street . The synagogue is unusual in that it is circular, not rectangular. There is no balcony for women, but a raised platform on either side. The roof is held up by concrete-covered beams that forms the shape of a Star of David. The candelabrum and eternal light, together with bronze and silver letters adorning the Ark doors, are by Israeli sculptor, Nehemia Azaz.