£250,000 to Save Sandys Row
London's oldest Ashkenazi synagogue was this week awarded a repair grant of more than £250,000 amid warnings that two of the beams supporting the historic building could collapse if essential work was not carried out.
Following the discovery last September that two of the four supports for the centuries-old roof at Sandys Row Synagogue were completely rotten, emergency temporary measures were taken to ensure the roof would not give way in the short-term and to guarantee the safety of those using the building - which was originally created as a chapel for a congregation of French Huguenots in 1766 before being consecrated as a shul in 1870.
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Jack Gilbert, a board member at the shul in Tower Hamlets, said: "Without the grant, this unique link back to the great Jewish migration of the 19th Century would be in danger of physical collapse. We would be worried about getting through another winter without this project well under way. Now the Huguenot roof and walls can look forward to their 250th anniversary in 2013 and beyond!
"This marks a major milestone for the Sandys Row Synagogue community, as we build a vibrant programme of religious and cultural activities, and develop a greater role in celebrating Jewish East End heritage."
Paddy Pugh, English Heritage's London region Director, added: "Sandys Row Synagogue is not only a fantastic example of east London's architectural heritage with a fascinating history, it is a focus for community activity. They are worthy recipients of the largest ever grant awarded to a Grade ll listed synagogue under this scheme."
Nearly 140 years after being consecrated as a synagogue, Sandys Row today plays host to an afternoon minyan four days a week as well as services every other Shabbat and on festivals. Regular tours are also held, while a women's minyan and evening cultural activities will shortly beintroduced. News that it was among 56 Grade II listed places of worship receiving a total of £7m in grants from this round was welcomed by Board of Deputies President Henry Grunwald, who wrote a letter of endorsement for the application.
"The synagogue is an important part of the community's heritage," he said this week. "It still plays an important role in the Jewish life of Central London and this funding will ensure the building's future. Well done to all concerned." Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks had also submitted a letter.
Shul chiefs next hope to overhaul the ageing wiring and ensure disabled access, while Sandys Row is also currently considering the feasibility of creating an East End Heritage educational centre at the site.
Gilbert told the Jewish News that this week's award is "the first stage towards ensuring the preservation of the fabric of the building. But it also marks a steep change for a community which just a few years ago many people were writing off. Now we can not only look forward to the development of our own community but also to becoming a real asset both for the Jewish community and all the communities of London".
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