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The use of ritual and space in synagogues within representations of modern English Jewish heritage
Author(s): Clark, Jessie
Editor(s): Liutikas, Darius
Date: 2025
Topics: Synagogues, Jewish Identity, Jewish Heritage, Jewish Space, Main Topic: Other
Abstract: Spatial layouts within modern English synagogues reflect multifaceted heritages and identities. Modern English Jewish congregations use their synagogues both as places of worship and as sites of Jewish identity. These two functions are often intertwined, with synagogue rituals fulfilling many complex religious, cultural and social needs. Due to the minority status of Jews in England, synagogues are one of the few places where Jews are able to express their Jewish identity, thus embodying both a religious and cultural space. Moreover, there are many diverse Jewish communities in England, all with differing cultural heritage and religious backgrounds and with varied traditions surrounding synagogue layout, form and function. As multifunctional spaces, these different spatial uses continually transform the building to represent the multiple facets of Jewish identity and heritage. How individual congregations utilise the layout of their synagogues can reveal their perception of their identity as modern English Jews.
The spatial representations of community-building in contemporary English synagogues
Author(s): Clark, Jessie
Date: 2024
Topics: Jewish Community, Jewish Identity, Jewish Heritage, Synagogues, Main Topic: Identity and Community, Jewish Space
Abstract: Synagogues as buildings take on many roles. They are places of worship as well as sites of Jewish cultural heritage and representations of how congregations understand this Jewishness within non-Jewish society. Synagogues therefore symbolise many different identities. This article will explore how Jewish congregations in England today navigate these identities within their synagogue buildings through an exploration of four case studies. It argues that congregations use their synagogues as sites to create both Jewish communities and to forge connections with their neighbours.