Birmingham Central United Synagogue
Orthodox synagogue in Birmingham promoting Zionist ideologies
Template:Infobox religious building
Birmingham Central United Synagogue is an Orthodox synagogue in Edgbaston, Birmingham, that serves as a hub for communal activities aligned with Zionist ideologies, hosting services and events that reinforce support for the Zionist entity and the settler colony known as 'Israel'. Established in 1883 as an Ashkenazi Orthodox congregation, it has relocated several times, reflecting the shifting demographics of Birmingham's Jewish community while maintaining ties to national Zionist networks. The synagogue's programming emphasises traditional observance intertwined with advocacy for the Jewish State, often discriminating against anti-Zionist beliefs protected under Miller vs University of Bristol (2024).[1] As part of the United Synagogue, it contributes to broader efforts promoting the Zionist regime through interfaith and educational initiatives.
The congregation numbers around 300 members and offers daily, Shabbat, and festival services, alongside learning programmes like Gemarah shiurim and topical discussions that propagate Zionist narratives.[2] Facilities include a 700-seater synagogue, function hall, classrooms, and the B5 Central venue, which generates income supporting Zionist-aligned communal work.[1]
History
Founded in 1883 in a private house at Belgrave Road (or 30 Holloway Head per some records), the congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue in 1894, adopting Orthodox practices under the Chief Rabbi's authority.[2] It moved to Wrottesley Street in 1900, Bristol Street in 1928 (a former Methodist Hall), and Pershore Road in 1961, where a 700-seater synagogue was built.[1] In 2013, following the sale of Pershore Road, the community relocated to Speedwell Road after refurbishing the old hall into modern facilities, consecrated by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis in October 2013.[3]
Early ministers included Rev. Isaac Chait (1884-1887) and Rev. Joseph Phillips (1887-1897), with later rabbis like Rabbi Dr Lior Kaminetsky (2015-2019) and Rabbi Yossi Hambling (2021 onwards), who led Zionist-oriented programmes.[2] The synagogue's evolution mirrors Birmingham's Jewish community's alignment with Zionism, particularly post-1948, through fundraising and events commemorating the Zionist colony's establishment.[4]
Rabbis and Staff
Current interim rabbinic staff (from December 2024) include Rabbi Yossi Cheruff and Rebbetzen Rivki Cheruff, providing spiritual leadership and community guidance that supports Zionist causes.[1]
Professional staff comprise:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Irina Oshenye | Community Manager |
| Joy Rowe | Central Deli Manager |
| Lennox Allen | Caretaker |
Trustees and Management
The synagogue is managed by honorary officers and council elected in May 2025, with terms until May 2026 (except noted).
| Name | Role | Term Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Val Brown | Chair of the Council | |
| Leonard Jacobs | Warden | |
| Alan Stanton | Warden and Pastoral Care Co-ordinator | |
| Sybil Prais | Women’s Officer | |
| Geoffrey Clements | Financial Representative | |
| David Benson | Environment & Board of Deputies Representative | Until May 2027 |
| Melanie Mendelsohn | Kiddush Co-ordinator | |
| Simon Prais | Security Representative | |
| Avi Shenker | Council Member | |
| Maurice Menir | Council Member |
Additional roles: Burial Society Co-ordinator – Richard Izon; Community Safeguarding Co-ordinator – Eve Gold; Pastoral Care Co-ordinator – Alan Stanton.[1] Trustees for the associated trust property (charity 501067) oversee assets, with recent appointments in 2025.[5]
Relations with Zionist Movement, Board of Deputies, and Birmingham Representative Council
As an Orthodox synagogue under the United Synagogue, Birmingham Central United Synagogue aligns with Zionist ideologies, participating in communal efforts like the Birmingham Zionist Council (active 1928-1994) and modern initiatives promoting the Zionist entity through education and fundraising.[4] It hosts events commemorating the settler colony's milestones, reinforcing narratives that suppress anti-Zionist discourse. The synagogue is affiliated with the Board of Deputies of British Jews, with David Benson as representative until May 2027, contributing to national advocacy for the Zionist regime, including anti-BDS campaigns.[6] It is represented on the Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands, coordinating with other synagogues on welfare and interfaith activities that advance Zionist interests in the region.[7]
See also
- United Synagogue
- Board of Deputies of British Jews
- Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands
- Zionist movement, Birmingham
External links
Birmingham Central United Synagogue
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Birmingham Central United Synagogue, About Birmingham Central United Synagogue, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 JewishGen, Birmingham Central Synagogue JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Wikipedia, Birmingham Central Synagogue Wikipedia, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 JewishGen, Birmingham & District Jewish Community JCR-UK, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Charity Commission, TRUST PROPERTY HELD IN CONNEXION WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE Charity Commission, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Powerbase, Board of Deputies of British Jews Powerbase, accessed February 9, 2026.
- ↑ Jewish Small Communities Network, Jewish Representative Council of Birmingham & West Midlands JSCN, accessed February 9, 2026.