People invited to see synagogue restoration

[dutchman]

Members of the Jewish community in Coventry are being urged to share their stories and memories ahead of a restoration of the city's former orthodox synagogue.



The Grade II listed building on Barras Lane was built in 1870 and, at its height, the city's Jewish population numbered 250 in the 1960s.

The site was last used for worship 25 years ago, but still retains many unique features which will be fully restored.

Avi Tordjman owns the building and said most of the features inside survived intact.

He said he was pouring his savings into restoring it and he would welcome anyone from other cultures to come and "see what the Jewish worship is".

[dutchman]

I walk past it a lot and have often wondered what it was like inside?

[dutchman]

The Rabbi's house (on the right) is finally occupied again after a long period of being deserted. It's not necessarily a Rabbi or even a Jewish person living there, most likely a caretaker? The lights were also on in the main auditorium (on the left) for a short period. The place would make a great home-cinema or music room for anyone with enough money.

Coincidentally the row of buildings opposite have seen an upsurge in interest lately. They were originally the houses of Jewish watchmakers with workshops on the top floor. Later they were converted to flats and until recently occupied by low-rent tenants. It is mostly office-workers and foreign students today.