Birmingham Central Synagogue
A warm and welcoming provincial community atmosphere exists at Birmingham Central Synagogue, just a short distance from the city centre. We welcome visitors from out of town and we are happy to arrange hospitality and Shabbat/Yom Tov meals. Please let us know your requirements by contacting us in advance.
History
The Birmingham Jewish Ashkenazi Orthodox community was established in a private house in Belgrave Road in 1883 before moving to Wrottesley Street in 1900 and then to Bristol Street in 1928, taking over a former Methodist Hall. In 1961 a small group of dedicated, hard-working individuals acquired the large plot of land in Edgbaston and built a 700-seater Synagogue and large community function hall.
In February 2013, after several years of planning, redevelopment work started to completely refurbish the old community hall and turn it into a modern fit-for-purpose Shul, function hall, kitchen, classrooms and community lounge. In August 2013, just before Rosh Hashanah, we moved into the new complex – Birmingham Central Synagogue and Community Centre.
An active community
Whilst the formal services are a perfect mix of traditional yet modern practice, Birmingham Central Synagogue is so much more than just a place for Jewish people to pray. The membership spans a wide range of ages and aims to cater for them all.
Learning sessions for a variety of ages and abilities are offered including Shiurim on Gemarah, Chumash Rashi and Nach talks on topical subjects, and, of course, a short daily dose of Halachah (law) at the end of all services.
Birmingham Central Synagogue is a beacon of modern orthodoxy in the West Midlands and welcomes people of all levels of observance to a warm, friendly and hospitable community.
Management of the Shul and Community Centre
The shul is managed by the Honorary Officers and Council. The current management was elected on Sunday 21st May 2023.
Honorary Officers
Alan Stanton (Chair)
Ruth Jacobs (Vice-Chair)
Leonard Jacobs & Maurice Menir (Wardens)
Sybil Prais (Women’s Officer)
Geoffrey Clements (Financial Representative)
Council
David Benson
Val Brown
Daniel Clements
Jeffrey Epstein
Simon Prais
Honorary Officers will serve until May 2025.
Members of the Council will serve until May 2024.
Burial Society Co-ordinator – Richard Izon: find out more
Community Safeguarding Co-ordinator – Eve Gold: call on 0121 285 1806
Pastoral Care Co-ordinator – Alan Stanton: find out more
Representative to the Board of Deputies of British Jews – David Benson (will serve until May 2024)
Security Officer – Jeffrey Epstein: find out more
Rabbinic Staff
Rabbi Yossi Hambling
Rebbetzen Channah Hambling
Office Staff
Community Manager – Sarah Skelton
Facilities Manager – Chris Jennings
Birmingham Central is a member synagogue of the United Synagogue. If you have a complaint about the shul or any of our staff, the complaints policy can be found here.