1881: ‘Perfect’ religious liberty for city’s Jewish community
160 Years is a series marking the launch of The Press newspaper in Christchurch on May 25, 1861.
The first place of worship for Christchurch’s Jewish community was a small wooden synagogue that opened on Gloucester St in 1864. It was followed by a larger stone building in 1881.
The Press was present when the cornerstone of the second synagogue was laid in February in a ceremony led by the Rev Isaac Zachariah, which was also interpreted as an expression of religious freedom and tolerance.
‘‘It was true that it could not, in any way, be compared with that glorious edifice, the Temple of their forefathers, erected by King Solomon to the glory of God. But, in their way, it was an expression of their desire to have in their midst a temple wherein the songs of Zion and the praise of the lord of Hosts, the Ruler of Israel, might be offered.
‘‘They had cause to rejoice greatly that in this enlightened age, and in this free country, they were enabled to worship God according to the faith of their fathers freely and undisturbed.
‘‘It was not now, as in former times, necessary for them to hold their worship secretly and in fear and trembling, under the benign sway of the good Queen who ruled over the English nation, the name of Jew was no longer a reproach.
‘‘They, in common with their Gentile fellow subjects, enjoyed perfect freedom and liberty.’’
Corn, wine, oil and herbs were sprinkled and psalms 122, 148, 125 and 50 were sung.
When the Beth El Synagogue was consecrated in November, The Press followed up with a brief report: ‘‘Amongst the very beautiful decoration of the new Synagogue consecrated on Thursday, the capitals of the pillars supporting the gallery are particularly noticeable. The lilies with which they are ornamented were moulded by Messrs Cunnington and Kent . . . and are specimens of workmanship of a very high order.’’
The building was eventually demolished in 1987, and a new synagogue on Durham St was consecrated a year later.