Souvenir brochure for Cardiff New Synagogue, February 1953.

Images 2 and 3 give a brief history of the Cardiff New Synagogue and its progression. The rest of the brochure is made up of advertisements from firms and individuals, many of whom were actively involved in the refurbishment of the building.

The following pages of the booklet outlines companies and businesses, and their contribution or service towards the creation of the New Synagogue, plus information about the businesses themselves. Businesses include Miller, Smith and Partners as Insurance Brokers. Florist services from Manor Nurseries. Clothing from The House of Anthonie, Jothams of Cardiff and M. & J.M. Simons. Internal fittings from Hyde and Jenks, David Morgan, Regent Wallpapers and Roath Furnishings. Boxes from Wilpak. Household goods from Mendle Bros. Printing from Imperial Printing. Tables and chairs from Oram and Ward. The general contractor to the Synagogue was Tucker Bros Builders. Heating and electrics from Mr Therm’s Cardiff Gas and W.J. Creemer. Other companies are mentioned with compliments, including the Bogod Family.

The booklet also mentions that the organ in the synagogue was provided by Compton Organs, and is a Compton Electrone Model 348, it is still used in the Synagogue.

The middle of the booklet contains a menu and toast list. As this booklet may have been part of a dinner celebration. The listed toast are: H.M. The Queen, The State of Israel, Cardiff New Synagogue, Our Civic Authorities and Our Guests.

The Cardiff Reform Synagogue was founded in 1948 as the Cardiff New Synagogue. The following year, it became a constituent member of the Movement for Reform Judaism. Born in reaction against the more restrictive traditions of the Orthodox Judaism of Cardiff Hebrew Congregation, such as the prohibition of driving on the Sabbath and the ban on interfaith marriages, the new Synagogue appealed to the immigrants who had fled the war-torn Europe, where the Reform movement was already well-established. The congregation worships in a converted Methodist Chapel on Moira Terrace they acquired in 1952.

Sources:

JCR-UK: Jewish Communities & Records, Cardiff Reform Synagogue, Cardiff, Wales (2020) https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/card1/index.htm [accessed 14 March 2024]

Parry-Jones, Cai, The History of the Jewish Diaspora in Wales (doctoral thesis, Bangor University, 2014)
https://research.bangor.ac.uk/portal/files/20579001/null [14 March 2024]

Depository: Glamorgan Archives.