Comments on: So Long, Nelson St Synagogue

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:42:52 +0000

Such a beautiful building so sad to know it’s starting to collapse. Such moving stories of those who came to live here, not always welcomed by the local community. I especially feel ashamed of those who were ‘invited’ to come over on Windrush, although not Jewish, they met prejudice with signs in people’s windows saying No Blacks, No Jews. I loathe prejudice, and feel ashamed of my fellow man at times. Thankfully, many did manage to have a good life here. My mother worked for a lovely Jewish couple in Chelsea, who were so kind to me growing up. Although they didn’t celebrate Christmas, ironically, they owned the Christmas Turkey business at Spitalfields. I kept in touch with them until they too had passed. They had no children themselves, but were very close to their two nieces.

By: jen fenzi

jen fenzi — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 23:56:30 +0000

Although probably the only thing that could happen, there is something so sad about this. I do hope anything of value from inside has been secured and rehomed.

By: Paul Collins

Paul Collins — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:27:08 +0000

Despite my secular Jewish identity today, I decry the federation’s auction decision.

The synagogue that hosted my childhood and barmitzvah should have survived.

It ought to have undergone essential repair for those who still wished to worship there.

Our Stepney family lived in a cramped home, with no bathroom or indoor toilet.

Other congregants faced similar hardship.

Prayers for the royal family seemed bizarre.

These included the then Prince Andrew, born in the year that I came of age.

But, notwithstanding atheism, my understanding remains for the religious.

Nelson Street’s temple served as a continuity haven for spiritual Jews.

Recent years have seen me speak out even louder for a just peace in the Middle East.

I flayed Hamas atrocities and kidnaps on
7 October 2023, during Simchas Torah.

Then my condemnation switched to the IDF’s carnage and aid siege in Gaza.

Like Israel, the Whitechapel shul’s disposal casts another Jewish shadow.

So, its devotees – who hoped to return “home” – should pray on elsewhere?

This recalls the ship’s captain who rescued a man whose boat sank near a desert isle.

When the captain steps ashore, he looks up to see not one, but two synagogues.

“Well, blow me, how many shipwrecked Jews live on this island?,” he asks the man.

“Just me,” comes the reply.

“Why did you build two synagogues?”

The man points to the further building.

“That one, I’d never visit.”

By: Barbara Rose

Barbara Rose — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:43:32 +0000

I am not a Jewish person, but I have an interest in the traditions and way of life of Jewish people. During Open London weekends I have been to Bevis Marks Synagogue, Sandys Road Synagogue, Princelet Street Synagogue and the Synagogue approximately half way down Bayswater Road.
So of course I am saddened to read that Nelson Street Synagogue will be no more. I distinctly remember entering the Synagogue and the warm welcome I received from the ladies there. I could sense the amount of history that was there by the furniture and fittings and such a unique atmosphere.

By: Kate Bacon

Kate Bacon — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:12:08 +0000

So much history and so many memories. As Adele writes I hope the Torah scrolls and memorial plaques are saved.

By: Adele

Adele — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:58:20 +0000

My main concern is the future of the Torah scrolls. Where will they be housed? I believe my family shul (synagogue) New Road, which closed down several years ago, sent their torahs to Nelson St upon its demise, along with several other smaller synagogues. And the memorial plaques – lovingly donated by so many East End families, what are to become of them? Praying the younger generations in their Northwest London grand houses don’t forget their families’ humble roots.

By: William Bagley

William Bagley — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:14:47 +0000

I really appraciate your stories of the Old East End though I have only ever been a visitor to the areas you focus on though I came close, living in Islington for 15 years.

Even being in Southeast Asia for the past 21 years has not dulled my appetite for your endeavours but for some reason Leon Silver’s life resonated even more than usual. Recognising that times change and communities move on is very humbling and I yearn for an opportunity to see the Nelson St Synagogue interior before the auction and to breath in the history.

Alas, it cannot be so as I am now based in the North of England and I cannot justify the trip. But I do wholehearetedly hope and pray whoever purchases the building will bring it back into use where people can gain access to admire the historical architectual character and that it won’t be demolished and replaced by an anonymous office monstrosity.

All power to you and your associates’ great work!

By: Annie S

Annie S — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:10:54 +0000

Oh, that’s so sad but I can understand the practicality of keeping the synagogue open has reached an end.
We will just have to hope that whoever buys the building will retain the beauty of the interior in the redevelopment.

By: Claire D

Claire D — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:55:21 +0000

It is always sad when an old place of worship goes, thinking of all the people who have brought their joys and woes, fears and hopes there and found solace.

I hope something decent comes out of it.

By: Jude Rosen

Jude Rosen — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:51:03 +0000

Thanks for that lovely tribute to Leon Silver and the Nelson St synagogue and its congregation.