Israeli’s labour of love to restore Coventry shul
AFTER A dwindling community forced the closure of Coventry Synagogue in 1995, the building fell into disrepair.
But ten years ago, Israeli-born businessman Avraham Tordjman bought it, setting himself the goal of restoring it to its former glory.
The purchase — funded by the sale of his nail and beauty business in Leamington Spa — reflected both a desire to preserve a religious building and to revive Jewish life in the city.
He recalled being upset during a trip to Poland at seeing a former synagogue which had been converted into an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
“It left a bad taste in my mouth. Since then, I have said if I ever have the opportunity to change that [kind of outcome] I will.”
After being alerted to the state of the
Coventry shul and rabbi’s house, constructed in 1870, “I knew what I had to do.
“When I bought it, it was collapsing. It was suffering from dry rot. I want it to be used again,” Mr Tordjman explained.
Since 2018, he estimates having spent up to £80,000 of his own money restoring the building, which is also his home.
“We have already had some visitors from Gateshead who saw there was a synagogue here while they were in the city.”
He envisions that a full restoration of the building will see it operate as a functioning shul and host school visits.
However, the cost could reach £500,000, a figure which seemingly does not deter him.
Mr Tordjman continues to work as a mobile nail technician to raise funds.
“It will take me a while,” he conceded. “I don’t want to ask for money for help.”
But there has been some support from locals.
For example, “one day I met a devout Christian and we got talking about what I was doing. He said he would like to help me — he had visited Israel. He works for a construction company locally so has given me some materials and money to help.”
Mr Tordjman has yet to approach
communal organisations for backing.
“I’m not someone who pushes. I am also not someone who sits down writing letters. I get on and do.” He has carried out much of the work himself, having learned how to plaster and lay bricks.
Towards his target of the synagogue once again becoming part of Coventry’s multi-faith life, it has been involved in the Coventry City of Culture Trust and RSC co-production, Faith, a series of events held last weekend.
Mr Tordjman featured in a short film about Jewish food, during which a Shabbat meal was prepared.
Taking part was an opportunity to reach a wider audience and engage with other faith communities.
“I just see this as part of my journey. I want to help create sustainable premises.”
We have already had some visitors from Gateshead’