Our Story

Early Beginnings (1892-1920)

The Hackney and East London Synagogue was founded in 1892 by a small group of Jewish immigrants who had settled in the area during the late 19th century. Originally meeting in a converted Victorian house on Mare Street, our founding members were primarily working-class families from Eastern Europe who sought to maintain their religious traditions while building new lives in London.

The early community was led by Rabbi Mordechai Goldberg, who served for nearly three decades and established many of the traditions that continue to define our synagogue today. During this period, the congregation grew from just twelve families to over 150 members, necessitating the search for a larger, permanent home.

Building Our Home (1921-1945)

In 1921, the community purchased the Victorian building that remains our home today. Originally constructed as a Methodist chapel in 1885, the building required extensive renovation to serve as a synagogue. The community came together to fund and undertake this transformation, with members donating both money and labor to create a beautiful sanctuary.

The 1930s and 1940s were challenging years for our community, as we welcomed refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe while dealing with the hardships of wartime London. During the Blitz, our synagogue basement served as an air raid shelter, and our community kitchen provided meals for local families whose homes had been damaged. These experiences strengthened the bonds within our community and with our neighbors.

Post-War Renaissance (1946-1980)

The post-war years brought renewal and growth to our community. Under the leadership of Rabbi David Rosen (1946-1978), the synagogue underwent significant expansion, adding our current social hall, kitchen facilities, and educational spaces. This period saw the establishment of our Hebrew school, youth groups, and many of the community organizations that remain active today.

The 1960s and 1970s brought demographic changes to East London, and our synagogue adapted by becoming increasingly involved in interfaith dialogue and community relations. We were among the first synagogues in London to establish formal relationships with local churches and mosques, setting a precedent for the inclusive approach that characterizes our community today.

Modern Era (1981-Present)

The 1980s marked the beginning of our modern era with the arrival of Rabbi Sarah Feldman, our first female rabbi, who served from 1981 to 2000. Her progressive leadership helped the synagogue navigate changing social attitudes while maintaining respect for tradition. Major renovations in 1995 modernized our facilities while preserving the building's historical character.

The 21st century has brought new challenges and opportunities. The gentrification of East London has brought new members from diverse backgrounds, while our commitment to accessibility and inclusion has made our synagogue a welcoming place for Jews of all backgrounds and beliefs. Our current building renovation, completed in 2019, added fully accessible facilities and modernized our infrastructure while maintaining the building's historic charm.

Today, under Rabbi David Goldstein's leadership, we continue to balance tradition with innovation, serving over 300 member families and maintaining our position as one of East London's most vibrant and inclusive Jewish communities.

Notable Milestones

Preserving Our Legacy

Our synagogue maintains an extensive archive of photographs, documents, and artifacts spanning our 130+ year history. These materials are carefully preserved and digitized to ensure that future generations can learn about and connect with their heritage.

We welcome researchers, family historians, and community members who wish to explore our archives. Please contact our office to arrange a visit or to contribute materials that help tell the story of Jewish life in East London.