19 September 2021 (10:30, 11:40, 12:50, 14:00, 15:10) Glasgow Doors Open Days
Festival Garnethill Synagogue is Scotland’s first purpose-built Synagogue and
is a Category A listed building. An example of high Victorian architecture, it
was designed by John McLeod of Dumbarton, in consultation with Nathan Joseph,
a London Jewish Architect. McLeod designed a number of churches and public
buildings, including the Women’s Christian Association on Bath Street and the
fruit warehouses of Simons, Jacob & Co, headed by Benjamin and Michael Simons,
both leaders in the Jewish community. The building exterior is Romanesque
Revival and inside contains elements of Moorish, Romanesque and Gothic styles,
with some Byzantine features. The Prayer Hall has seating for approximately
500 worshippers. The focal point of the Synagogue is the Holy Ark (Aron
Kodesh), set in an apse in the Eastern Wall, facing Jerusalem, housing the
Torah Scrolls in which the Five Books of Moses are hand written on parchment.
A domed window above the Ark has a panel on which are written the first two
Hebrew words of each of the Ten Commandments. The building is currently
managed by the Garnethill Synagogue Preservation Trust and houses the Scottish
Jewish Archives Centre and the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre, which includes
the Scottish Holocaust-era Study Centre. For Doors Open Days, you can take
guided tours of the building. Booking is essential - check back on this page
on 1 September for the booking link. Facilities Disabled WC WC Limited Access
Architect: John McLeod Building Date: 1879
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/garnethill-synagogue-tickets-168401207545

Address
129 Hill Street, Glasgow, G3 6UB