Comments on: At Bevis Marks Synagogue

By: howard davis abendana

howard davis abendana — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:41:08 +0000

ref beavis marks oldest synagogue in the uk I understand Exeter Devon is the eldest, it was built in roman times D evon was called Danon by the romans with the romans came the jewish traders

By: Karen Rennie

Karen Rennie — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 08:18:04 +0000

hello, my family recently had a ‘big Jewish wedding’ at the wonderful Bevis Marks – if you would like a couple of photos, which show the men on one side and the chuppah, just let me know.

By: David Brede

David Brede — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 05:16:05 +0000

Thanks.

A really lovely building.

By: Antony Macer

Antony Macer — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 20:36:47 +0000

I send the webpage to my local history society, suggesting they forwarded it to an enquirer who wanted to know more about the employment of Jewish tailors in my west of England town, thinking that The Gentle Author’s photographs, if nothing else, would be of interest to him. here is his reply (name withheld – but just ask, if required):

Thank you so much for sending the piece on Bevis Marks.

My parents together with most of our family before them were married at Bevis Marks – Marilyn, my wife, and I were married at the sister synagogue, Lauderdale Road in Maida Vale London.

We lived much of our married life whilst we lived in England in Russel Square and would attend Bevis Marks for Sabbath and holiday services. The most holy of days in the Jewish calendar is Yom Kippur that starts in the evening with a service called Kol Nidre where, even today, the sanctuary is light by candle light from those magnificent candelabras shown in the photographs. The seniors of the synagogue still wear top hats and I recall one member attending services in his finery wearing tails, top hat and spats. The service is incredibly moving where Jews ask to be released from all their vows (Kol Nidre meaning all vows). Thought you might like to hear what the opening service sounds like – although this clip is from The Jazz Singer – 1927 with Al Jolson, the tune and words are the same that are sung by the cantor every Kol Nidre service http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=kol+nidre+youtube&&view=detail&mid=3D9CFA9CD004C0113B7E3D9CFA9CD004C0113B7E&rvsmid=3D9CFA9CD004C0113B7E3D9CFA9CD004C0113B7E&fsscr=0&FORM=VDMCNL – Bruch also composed a stunningly beautiful cello piece called Kol Nidre with the tune running through it as a reoccurring theme.

Bevis Marks is a magnificent building with a great history, even as to who built it and had such renowned members as Disraeli (until he converted to become Prime Minister) and one, Daniel Mendoza the pugilist and a distant relation. If you are in that part of the world the building is worth a visit and I do believe has guided tours.

Thanks again for passing this information on to me.

By: Peter Holford

Peter Holford — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 15:22:58 +0000

I have visited a few synagogues recently in various cities, mainly because the opportunity to see them presented itself rather than any urge to seek them out. What has struck me is how their layout has so much in common with some of the Christian dissenter chapels. The layout is inclusive, making everybody as close to the focus of the service as possible rather than at the other end of a church away from the chancel.

Like others replying to this blog I have never heard of this synagogue. Definitely one to seek out.

By: Sonia Murray

Sonia Murray — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 13:44:54 +0000

What a truly beautiful synagogue! Thank you for sharing its history and the pictures – I look forward to your articles every morning. This one was a particular delight!

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 07:17:07 +0000

Beautiful photos and commentary.

By: Carolyn Badcock - nee Hooper

Carolyn Badcock - nee Hooper — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 07:06:59 +0000

What a delightful post, gentle author……..wonderful story and brilliant photos. What a city is London!

By: John Barrett

John Barrett — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 06:52:59 +0000

A lovely set of pics and commentary by GA. This has to be one of the most peaceful synagogue’s for prayer and worship in London. Many of the original features are still here, when the congregation are in situ and all the chandelier’s are lit, they must appear as heavenly light from above that’s nice. Bevis Marks is the oldest one and is similar to the oldest one in New York. Here it is smaller and darker on my visit it was more of a heritage synagogue retaining the original austere features. John

By: Valerie-Jael

Valerie-Jael — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 06:04:05 +0000

Bevis Marks is a very beautiful place which I often visited when I still lived in London. Thanks for sharing the photos. Valerie