The planned demolition of the 1950s Manchester Reform synagogue as part of a multi-million pound commercial development scheme raises questions about the purpose, symbolism (and perceived value) of Jewish built heritage.
The Manchester Evening News runs a story headlined: “Inside the historic Manchester synagogue to be demolished in Gary Neville’s luxury hotel and shops plan.” The article includes a set of photos of the interior of the synagogue.
The article’s subhead sums up many of the issues involved — issues, both emotional and pragmatic, that deal with the broader idea of Jewish built heritage, its meaning and preservation:
Rabbi says he is sad that 1950s building is facing the bulldozer – but excited that new place of worship will replace it as part of £140m redevelopment
The synagogue building was erected in 1953 on the site of a previous synagogue destroyed during World War II, and where a synagogue has stood in some form from the 1850s. It will be demolished as part of the development project, but a modern new shul will be built as part of the plan. The new development as a whole will include offices, bars, restaurants, apartments and a five star international hotel.
A news release issued Sept. 5 by the synagogue states that “Many of the old fixtures, including the set of stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible, and the existing ark are to be retained and incorporated into the new building.”
It says:
Detailed Trustees Requirements for the new synagogue and its associated facilities were drawn up and presented to the congregation for approval some time ago. These include a large sanctuary, events hall with adjacent kitchens, Lounge incorporating snack bar and computer work stations, study rooms, administrative offices, boardroom, community resource centre and beit hamidrash. There will also be provision for underground car parking.
It quotes Danny Savage, President of the Manchester Reform Synagogue, as saying that the development “does not involve the sale of the synagogue site, as incorrectly reported. The Trustees of the Synagogue feel they have an obligation to ensure that the land remains the site of a central Manchester synagogue for the many generations to come.”
Similarly, the Manchester Evening Herald article quotes Rabbi Reuven Silverman, who has been a rabbi of of the synagogue’s congregation for nearly 40 years, as saying:
I feel sad, because I’ve spent half my life here – I’ve been here 37 years and our congregation loved the building. But we need to change and we need to move with the times. We need a new 21st Century synagogue and that’s exciting. It’s going to happen and we are very happy about it. […] The most important thing that will remain from the old place is the people. The congregation is that – people, not bricks and mortar. Jewish people through their history have been used to this, moving from one place to another. We will be an exactly the same place in central Manchester and that’s really important.
Click here to read full details in the article in the Manchester Evening Herald
Click here to read the full news release by the synagogue
Click here to read an article about the situation in the Jewish Chronicle