Australia: Jewish Museum Offers Tours of Jewish Sites in Downtown Melbourne

Melbourne Hebrew Congregation (1930). Photo: Bentley Kassel/ISJM 1999

Australia: Jewish Museum Offers Tours of Jewish Sites in Downtown Melbourne

This is my first blog about Australia. I’ve been receiving the magazine and email newsletters form the Jewish Museum of Australia for some time, and I think its time to report on what’s happening down under. I have never been to Australia, but here’s hoping.

On May 17th the Jewish Museum of Australia Gandel Centre of Judaica will offer a walking tour of Jewish sites in the Melbourne City Centre, histories including Flinders Street Station; Port Phillip Hotel; Cheapside House; the first mikvah; Kozminsky's and the Block Arcade.

Details:

Melbourne City Centre
Sunday 17th May, 10.15am
Meet under the clocks at Flinders Street Station Cost: $15
Bookings essential: 8534 3600
Bring hat, umbrella, sunscreen, water. Wear comfortable shoes.

While in Melbourne, be sure to visit the historic Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, built in 1930 in South Yarra, replacing a 19th-century Bourke Street synagogue erected in 1855.

The classical style building is often referred to as the “Cathedral Synagogue” of Melbourne. Images of the 1300-seat sanctuary, with its high dome and sweeping balcony, can be seen here. The synagogue runs regular services on Thursday mornings in addition to all other Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, and Festival services.