NSW: Govt pledges $500,000 to heritage listed synagogue

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2004
NSW: Govt pledges $500,000 to heritage listed synagogue

SYDNEY, Feb 13 AAP - Australia's oldest mainland synagogue has received a $500,000
cash injection towards its restoration program.

The NSW government, which has contributed money for works on St Andrew's and St Mary's
cathedrals, pledged $500,000 for repairs to the heritage listed Great Synagogue in central
Sydney.

The synagogue, which aims to raise $3 million, was built in 1878.

Its stonework, floors, gates and the carved timber around the ark are all in need of
repairs. The building also need repainting.

The fundraising drive is being carried out under the auspices of the National Trust
of Australia because the building is heritage listed.

NSW Premier Bob Carr said the synagogue was a key piece of Sydney architecture.

"It has been the home to Sydney's Jewish community for more than 125 years and one
of the best known and most admired Jewish buildings in the country," Mr Carr said in a
statement.

"As well as being a place of worship, the great Synagogue is one of the most important
parts of Sydney's architectural heritage."

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president Stephen Rothman said the synagogue was an asset
to the wider community.

"The Great Synagogue is indeed a bridge linking the Jewish and non-Jewish communities," he said.

"Like our own Harbour Bridge, it needs constant maintenance."

AAP sal/cjh/jlw

KEYWORD: SYNAGOGUE

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