Norwich Hebrew Congregation Synagogue

Services are held each Shabbat morning and are traditional in style, using the Singer’s Prayer Book. The service commences at 10.00am and is followed by a Kiddush when any visitor is made welcome. All Jewish festivals are celebrated and there is a Communal Seder each year. A weekly Cheder for the children of the community is held each Sunday morning during normal school term times.

Address: 3 Earlham Road, Norwich NR2 3RA

Jewish Heritage in Norwich
The Norwich Jews have a long and interesting history. The first Norwich synagogue was founded in the 11th century. The medieval synagogue was in the City centre close to the Castle, as the community, who mostly lived in the same area, was under the protection of the King’s representative.

The first known ‘Blood Libel’ originated in Norwich in 1144 following the death of a Christian boy, William, in Thorpe Woods just before Passover. Following the expulsion of the Jews in 1290 there was no known Jewish community until the middle of the 18th century.

A beautiful synagogue was built in 1849 which was used for worship for 93 years until it was destroyed by enemy action in 1942.

The current synagogue , on Earlham Road, began as a temporary building in 1948. However it was in 1969 that a modern shul building was constructed.

An ambitious plan by the shul “Visions of a Jewish Community & Heritage Centre for Norwich” has succeeded in raising the funds to refurbish the communal building, create new access, and develop a visitor centre to tell the history of Jewish Norwich. Implementation of the plan is anticipated to start in 2019.

Current Status: Active

Founded 1813 and re-established 1842

Ritual: Ashkenazi Orthodox