Historic shuls given £140k National Lottery grant

The year-long development phase will lay the groundwork for a five-year national rollout aimed at helping historic synagogues facing mounting problems, from maintenance costs to declining volunteer capacity. The project is intended to provide both practical and strategic support, covering areas such as governance, sustainability, education and outreach.

Among the proposals are the appointment of two specialist support officers – one focusing on buildings and repairs, the other on education and engagement – alongside the creation of an online resource hub.

Plans also include the formation of the Historic Synagogues Network, bringing together volunteers and community leaders to share expertise and training.

A heritage trail highlighting Britain’s synagogue history is also under consideration, as well as a small grants scheme to fund early-stage development work.

The announcement comes as the Foundation for Jewish Heritage continues its involvement in several high-profile restoration projects, including the transformation of a Victorian synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil into the Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre, redevelopment plans for the Grade II* Middle Street Synagogue in Brighton, and ongoing work at Sandys Row Synagogue in the East End.

Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue (Photo: Foundation for Jewish Heritage)[Missing Credit]

Speaking to the JC on Tuesday after attending a ceremony at Windsor Castle to receive his MBE – which recognises his services to heritage and charity – Mail said: “We are taking our project national. While before we worked on three very important shul projects, we will now provide support to historic synagogues facing challenges across the UK. There are so many communities struggling for survival. We want to work with them to help them think through their futures, make them more robust, and to come up with viable solutions to preserve the buildings and give them a long-term future.”

He continued: “We are hugely delighted and really excited that this has happened. The grant is a validation of the work we’ve been doing on Merthyr Tydfil, Middle Street Synagogue, and Sandys Row. It recognises both what we’ve done and what we have the potential to do; it is enabling us to employ more people, work in more places, and have a bigger impact.”

The Foundation has plans to work in partnership with the Heritage Network, which supports community groups managing historic sites, and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, which will assist with community engagement.

Board president Phil Rosenberg said: “The Board of Deputies of British Jews represents communities all over the country. Some of their synagogues are historic buildings – with all the challenges and responsibilities that brings. A key area of the Board’s work is celebrating our faith, heritage and culture, and we are delighted to partner on this project with the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, and the Heritage Network, to provide guidance and practical support to those concerned with historic synagogues.”

Stuart McLeod, a director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support this important project by the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, which will help support and safeguard some of the UK’s most significant heritage.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, historic synagogues across the country will receive specialist guidance, resources and investment to help secure their future. These buildings hold deep cultural, architectural and community significance, and this project will ensure these stories continue to be shared, understood and celebrated for generations to come.”