History

Norwich Hebrew Congregation is a small Jewish community of 85 member families. Traditional Sabbath services are held weekly in the synagogue.

The Norwich Jews have a long history.  A comprehensive book, 'The Jews of Medieval Norwich'  (1967) by Vivian Lipman documents its early history. The first Norwich synagogue was founded in the 11th century. The medieval synagogue was in the City centre close to the Castle, as the community, who mostly lived in the same area, was under the protection of the King’s representative. Sadly the first known 'Blood Libel' originated in Norwich in 1144 following the death of a Christian boy, William,  in Thorpe Woods just before Passover.  Following the expulsion of the Jews in 1290 there was no known Jewish community until the middle of the 18th century. A beautiful synagogue was built in 1849 which was used for worship for 93 years until it was destroyed by enemy action in 1942.

. The Synagogue 1849 - 1942

The present site of the Synagogue in Earlham Road was leased from the City Council in 1948 when a temporary prefabricated building to be used for a Synagogue was erected. In the following year a hall with a flat for a Minister above it was added to the site. This was used for the next 20 years until 1969 when the present synagogue was consecrated.  A new lease is at present being negotiated to extend the lease for a further 999 years!