Beth Shalom (Auckland)

Beth Shalom is a Progressive Jewish congregation and synagogue, located in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the largest progressive congregation in the country.[2][3] The congregation was started in 1952 and later a temple was constructed and consecrated in 1960.[3][4] It is a member of the Union for Progressive Judaism.[5] The congregation has over 500 members, hosts a Hebrew school, and also has a burial society.[3]

Beth Shalom
Religion
AffiliationReform Judaism
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusSynagogue
LeadershipRabbi Dean Shapiro[1]
Year consecrated1960
StatusActive
Location
Location180 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023
CountryNew Zealand
Geographic coordinates36°52′57″S 174°46′34″E / 36.88250°S 174.77611°E / -36.88250; 174.77611 (Beth Shalom Progressive Synagogue)
Architecture
Architect(s)Albert Goldwater
TypeSynagogue architecture
Date established6 March 1952 (as a congregation)
Completed1960

History

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The congregation was formed on 6 March 1952 at the home of the Pezaro family, a founding family of the synagogue.[3] The congregation was at this point known as the Liberal Jewish Congregation of Auckland.[3] The congregation held its first Shabbat service on 14 April and thereon regular services took place at the Auckland City branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society.[3] A decision was made to establish a more permanent home for the congregation. A plot of land consisting an old foundry was subsequently purchased on Manukau Road in Epsom in 1953.[3] The foundry was renovated and converted into use as small temple serving one hundred congregants.[3] Rabbi John Levi, then a student rabbi from Australia, served as the congregation's first rabbi.[3]

As the congregation outgrew the old foundry, the congregation commissioned a new temple building by local architect, Albert Goldwater.[3] Building work was completed in 1960 and the temple was consecrated in the same year.[3] A second building project was undertaken in 1989 to expand the synagogue. The old foundry building that had been serving as a Hebrew School and social hall was demolished and rebuilt with a new, improved design. The original sanctuary of the 1960 temple was converted into a social hall, with a new sanctuary, offices and classrooms built.[3]

In recent years, Beth Shalom has been in discussions to relocate to the large former campus of Saint Kentigern Girls' School in Remuera.[6][7] Auckland Hebrew Congregation (AHC), with the assistance of the Woolf Fisher Trust, purchased the site in 2019.[8] Schools and Jewish organisations are also relocating to the site, creating a new Jewish centre in Auckland.[9]

Notable members

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ You can celebrate the rest of the High Holidays anywhere in the world without ever leaving home Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 14 September 2021
  2. ^ Being a Jew in New Zealand requires a strong DIY culture The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved on 4 December 2023
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l The Story of Beth Shalom Retrieved on 3 December 2023
  4. ^ Kiwi Cool Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 25 January 2011
  5. ^ The Jewish Traveler: Auckland Hadassah Magazine. January 2014
  6. ^ Swapping a synagogue for a school: Auckland Jewry makes a brave move Plus 61J Media. 17 February 2023
  7. ^ 2. Current Status of Beth Shalom moving to Remuera Road Jewish Auckland. 2021
  8. ^ Auckland private school Saint Kentigern sells $23m campus to Hebrew Congregation Stuff. 8 April 2021
  9. ^ A new Jewish Centre for Auckland Jewish Lives. 18 April 2021
  10. ^ Sailing To Gold Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 14 August 2012
  11. ^ Angela D'Audney's funeral private New Zealand Herald. 10 February 2002
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