Over the 300 years since the Jewish community first put down roots at a former Catholic chapel in Posterngate, its presence in Hull has brought a vitality to the city.
Sports clubs, drama societies, and welfare organisations established by Jewish residents have contributed much to the cultural life of the city, and have been the breeding ground of local sportsmen and entertainers, most notably the actress Maureen Lipman.
During both WWI and WWII local Jewish men and women gave their lives to the war effort, a notable example being that of Captain Isidore Newman who was posthumously awarded an MBE (Military Division) for undercover work in Nazi Germany.
The economic vitality of the city has been supported by numerous Jewish businesses, such as the architects firm started by B.S. Jacobs, the jewellers Segal’s, the solicitors Graham and Rosen, and the accountants Sadofsky’s.
Individual members of the community such as Leo Schultz, Victor Dumoulin, Edward Gosschalk, Benno Pearlman, and various members of the Rosen family have contributed much to the civic life of the city through their work as mayors, sheriffs, and societal leaders.
Records of the Jewish community in Hull
In 2010 Hull History Centre received the records of the Jewish community in Hull, a large collection of over 60 boxes containing papers documenting the history of the Jewish population of Hull.
What records will I find in the collection?
Records in the collection (ref C DJC) relate largely to the Ashkenazi Orthodox section of the Jewish community, although some references can be found to the Reform section of the community.
How can I use this collection in my research?
Records in this collection can be used to undertake research on a wide range of subjects associated with Jewish history including:
- Family history
- Spiritual life and activities
- Social and cultural life and activities
- Education and youth
- Charity work
This collection can also be used for more general research into the history of Hull as a city and includes records relevant to the following:
- Immigration and transmigration
- Societies and association
- sSocial make-up of the city Settlement
- Civic life and personalities
What language are the records written in?
Most of the records are written in English and there is little need of a knowledge of Hebrew. However, some registers record names in Hebrew and English. A very small number of records are written in Hebrew only.