Jewish Brisbane: the early years
By Jeanne Stern, Librarian, Library and Client Services | 17 July 2023
The Queensland Holocaust Museum and Education Centre opened on Friday 30 June 2023 to inform and inspire Queenslanders to stand up to all forms of racism and prejudice.
“This will ensure future generations never forget - because Queensland’s survivor stories will now be heard for generations to come.” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (Ministerial Media Statement, 30 June 2023).
State Library of Queensland is honoured to be the custodian of many stories of Queensland’s Jewish people, including the history of The Brisbane Synagogue, the marriage register, minutes book, and more. Discover the collection through our online One Search catalogue.
The Brisbane Synagogue
Located in Margaret Street, the Brisbane Synagogue was built in 1886.
A strikingly beautiful white building with magnificent stained glass, the twin towers soared above the nearby buildings in 1906.
The oldest image of The Brisbane Synagogue in State Library’s collection is this image from around 1906. Search State Library’s One Search catalogue to find other images throughout the years.
Brisbane Synagogue, ca. 1906. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Negative number: 145942
The synagogue was designed by early Brisbane architect, Arthur Morry, who was elected Alderman in 1888.
Arthur Morry. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Negative number: 167281
The foundation stone was laid in July 1885, and the building was consecrated on 18 July 1886.
Less than 50 years later, in 1927, Brisbane welcomed the first Jewish company of Girl Guides and Boy Scouts in the Commonwealth.
First Jewish company of Girl Guides and Boy Scouts in the Commonwealth, Brisbane, 1927. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Negative number:168448
In this image, the boys, girls and leaders are in uniform and pose with flags on the steps to the doorway of the synagogue of the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation in Margaret Street, Brisbane.
One of the few images in State Library of Queensland’s collections taken inside The Brisbane Synagogue is this fascinating image of the ceremony to commemorate Anzac Day in 1930.
Anzac Day ceremony in the Synagogue, Brisbane, 1930. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Negative number: 122582
The congregation fills the stalls, and a large number of Girl Guides and Boy Scouts are present for the service. Some of the children bear flags as they flank the presider.
The beautiful stained-glass window is prominent above the congregation with the Star of David behind the Rabbi. The Synagogue has beautiful stonework archways and the white bema (the raised area around the aron kodesh, or the sanctuary) is eye-catching.
Family historians will be interested to know that State Library of Queensland is home to the Brisbane Synagogue marriage register and minute book, which covers marriages from 1868 to 1946.
State Librarian, Vicki McDonald accepting the marriage register from Rabbi Jaffe, 16 April 2019. Image: State Library of Queensland
Please note that access to the original items is limited to members of the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation, allied institutions and researchers who have permission from the Brisbane Synagogue.
To read more about the donation, read the blog Brisbane Synagogue Donation Event.
References
- Brisbane Synagogue marriage register and minute book - One Search catalogue
- Holocaust Museum officially opens in Brisbane. (n.d.). Ministerial Media Statements. Retrieved July 5, 2023, from https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98094
- Silk, M. (2022) Brisbane's first Holocaust Museum to open in 2023, Brisbane Times.
- The Brisbane Synagogue: Welcome. (n.d.). Brisbanehebrewcongregation.com.
Related blogs
More information
One Search catalogue – https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au
Library membership – https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/membership
Ask a librarian - https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/ask-librarian
Plan your visit – https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/visit
What’s on at State Library – https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on
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