The 50's
The 1950s were the formative years of the community. Phillip Goran served as its president for most of that decade, his leadership and vision being instrumental in shaping its unique character. The organisational framework built by Phillip fostered unity and co-operation within the community, emphasised education and established the Strathfield Centre’s unique tone and atmosphere. Click here to read Phillip’s 1951-52, 1953 and 1954-55 annual reports to the AGM.
See below for how the furniture for the original synagogue, built on the top floor of the old mansion, was acquired.
See below for how the furniture for the original synagogue, built on the top floor of the old mansion, was acquired.
By the end of the 1950s the community had grown and matured and the time had come to erect a purpose-built synagogue. Its building did not go unnoticed in the wider Stathfield Community and the press clippings below demonstrate the interest it aroused. Press clippings by courtesy of the Archives of the AJHS (NSW).
The New Synagogue Building was designed by the architect H. P. Oser (see below). The foundation stone was laid in June 1959 and the synagogue was opened in September of the same year. The minister's office actually opens directly into the synagogue hall. Can anyone provide the original architectural plans?
HANS PETER OSER (31) was registered by the NSW Board of Architects after several attempts during the late war. His application was signed by WALTER BUNNING and KENNETH MCCONNEL. He had graduated from the University of Vienna in 1936, worked briedly for Professor Behrens and Hoffman and Haerdtl in Vienna, been naturalised as a British subject and arrived in Australia in 1938. After arriving, he worked for J.D. MOORE & DOWLING, PREVOST & ASSOCIATES, CRANE & SCOTT, MALLEYS and in private practice. - See more at: http://douglas-snelling.com/timeline/#sthash.1tgRtUg7.dpuf
Front cover of a souvenir brochure issued on the occasion of the consecration of the new synagogue.
From its contents: The brochure lists a sermon by Rabbi Dr I. Porush who also recites the Prayer for the Royal Family, Rev. A. Winkler who leads the choir and sings Psalms, Rev. A. Kezelman who is handed a Scroll taken from the Ark and also sings with the choir, Rabbi A. Grozinger who recites the Prayer for the State of Israel, Rabbi F. A. Tarsis and Rev. E. Wolff who recite the Mi Shebarach for the Congregation and its Leaders and Rev. F.W. Katz and Rev. R. Lubovsky who recite scriptural readings.
Photo kindly provided by the Archives of the Australian Jewish Historical Society.
On The Left: The synagogue set up for prayer. Each row of stackable chairs was held in line by a rod that passed from end to end under each seat.
Below: The synagogue set up for a dinner. A view from the stage looking towards the vestibule. The rods have been removed from beneath the seats and the tables extend the length of the hall.