Consecration Service Used at the Jew's Synagogue, Nidchi Israel, Bridge Town, Barbadoes, in the Year 5593

Jews were among the earliest European settlers on this island in the Westward Group and Congregation Nidchei Israel was established in 1654. The synagogue building was destroyed in "The Great Barbados Hurricane" of 1831 (see Kestenbaum & Company, sale 40, Lot 260). Our service celebrates the consecration of the newly erected structure two years later. The ceremony was attended by the Speaker, members of the Assembly, the Attorney General, Baron of the Exchequer and other dignitaries. The 95 Jews in attendance were a minority of the audience. Barbados being a British possesssion, the service includes a prayer on behalf of King William, Queen Adelaide, and "all the Royal Family" (f. 11). After being closed for many years, the synagogue building of Nidchei Israel was reopened and rededicated in 1987. See W.S. Samuel, A Review of the Jewish Colonists in Barbados (1936); M. Arbell, The Jewish Nation of the Caribbean (2002), pp. 215-217. Provenance: Swann Galleries, December 9th, 1987, Lot 111