Emanuel Synagogue Woollahra heritage renovation plans
Emanuel Synagogue is going back to the future. The synagogue is planning a multimillion-dollar overhaul of its main worship space to restore heritage aspects and install the latest technology.
Wentworth Courier
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Emanuel Synagogue is planning a $2.3 million renovation which will both restore the main shul to its former heritage glory and incorporate the latest technology to live stream services.
The synagogue in Ocean St, Woollahra has huge historical significance as it is the oldest in Australia and was built in 1940 during WWII.
Most of the work will focus on the Main Shul which has been known in more recent years as the Heritage Shul in deference to its roots as the first building on the historic site.
The shul will have the same capacity but will be reconfigured with the balcony seating to wrap around the sides to allow for a more “intimidate” experience for the congregants.
Original circular windows which have boarded up will be brought back to life and the stained glass rejuvenated.
There will be significant investment to subtly installed audio visual equipment to both enhance the experience for those present and allow for live streaming of services.
Externally, there are plans to slightly alter the Kiddush Court and construct a new northern walkway.
The development application has been lodged with Woollahra Council and all going well, construction should start next year with the shul to be completed in time for the 2022 High Holidays.
Heritage consultant James Phillips said the shul is amazing place.
“Leading up to and during WWII there was a real shortage of materials and so for such a fine building to have transpired is a real tribute to the architect,” he said.
“What we are trying to do is adapt the building to future needs while at the same time restoring things to the original design.”
Senior Rabbi Jeffrey B. Kamins said the works were sorely needed especially once the pandemic is over as the synagogue has 3800 members who are expected to flock to services.
“It is falling apart at the seams,” Rabbi Kamins said.
“It’s not quite up to scratch and at first we were thinking of doing a more simple renovation and paint.
“But now we’ve decided to do a transformation project and bring the beauty and glory back to the building.”
Emanuel Synagogue CEO Suzanna Helia said live streaming of services, including this year’s high holiday services which were free to everyone, had been widely popular with people tuning in form all over the world.
“These plans are for state of the art audio visual equipment,” she said.
“We are getting ready for the new world that we live in.”