Great Synagogue, Sydney

The Great Synagogue is a large synagogue in Sydney, Australia. It is located in Elizabeth Street opposite Hyde Park and extends back to Castlereagh Street. The Great Synagogue was designed by architect Thomas Rowe (who was not Jewish), and consecrated in 1878. It combines elements of Byzantine style and Gothic characteristics. This grand building is often described as the "cathedral synagogue" of Australia. The Sydney Jewish community, which dated to the earliest days of the colony, met in rented spaces before building its first synagogue, designed by James Hume in 1844. The present synagogue has the traditional feature of an elevated ladies' gallery. When first erected, the bimah was central, as is traditional. However, to increase...