Seventy years ago a small group of men and women had the foresight and courage to found a Liberal synagogue in Birmingham. The building that embodied their ideals stood in Sheepcote Street until about three years ago, when, after many years of what seemed like fruitless negotiations, their successors seized the opportunity to replace it, since by then it had become somewhat run down and in need of serious repair. A new building would be financed by a developer who wished to use the site commercially; a site nearby was designated and at last in September the new building was officially declared open, though it had been in use since Pesach.
And what a memorable day of celebration it was! The unveiling of a commemorative plaque was performed by Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein who grew up in our congregation, received his early Hebrew education here and went on to become Rabbi of the Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, from which he has just retired after 43 years of distinguished service. His unveiling of the plaque was the climax to a day never to be forgotten by the crowded congregation who filled our new building. And by universal consent the building itself, designed by a Birmingham architect, one of our own members and former Chairman, Keith Reynolds, was acclaimed as truly splendid! Our sanctuary, on the upper floor, is flooded with light and inspirational, while our social and meeting room, classrooms and admin rooms are on the lower floors.
At the end of our normal Shabbat morning service our Rabbi, Dr Margaret Jacobi, in her stirring address paid tribute to some of the successors of our original founders who had played an important part in the planning of the new building but were sadly not spared to be present with us on this joyful occasion. In particular she paid tribute to the late Joe Wernick, who had helped many years ago to conduct negotiations that did not come to fruition and to Harold who had passed away while the new building was under construction. Happily his widow and daughter, Wendy and Judith, were present. Rabbi Jacobi also paid warm tribute to Dr Heinz Shire who had played such an important role in the life of the whole Birmingham Jewish community.
After the service and a veritable banquet lunch prepared by a team of volunteers led by Corinne, members of our synagogue choir, led by Barbara, regaled us with a recital of liturgical and Israeli songs .One of the highlights was a film, put together with great skill by Michael, consisting of archival photographs of prominent members of our synagogue from different generations. This was especially nostalgic for some of our older members, who would have recognised many familiar faces of those no longer with us. It was particularly memorable to have among those present Pam, daughter of the two founding members of the synagogue, Leonard and Thelma Gundle. To round off the day of celebration, organized with great efficiency by Mark, Kletzmer music and Israeli dancing gave an opportunity to some of the more vigorous members of our congregation to display their energy and enthusiasm!
We customarily say the beracha shehecheyanu to mark many joyful and memorable occasions but there can scarcely be any more suitable event than the consecration of a brand new synagogue for which to thank the Almighty for having kept us alive, sustained us and enabled us to reach this season. May it be the happiest omen for the New Year ahead for our own congregation and for the whole of the Birmingham Jewish community.
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