(ANGLO JUDAICA)

London

1873-1881

Ledger- Book of the Hambro Synagogue, London. Minutes of the Board of Management. An important source for the history of the Synagogue with original and secretarial copies of letters and resolutions pertaining to communal, financial and administrative affairs including autographed letters signed by Chief Rabbi Nathan Adler and Dayan Asher

The Hambro Synagogue, built in 1726, was constructed by Mordechai b. Moses of Hamburg, son-in-law of the celebrated Glückel of Hamlin. After a number of vicissitudes, the synagogue was amalgamated with the Great Synagogue in 1936. See P. Renton, The Synagogues of London (2000) pp.39-43. The ledger records incidents as varied as the admonishment of the Assistant Reader for using improper language in the Synagogue; a resolution that the synagogue charity box be opened only in the presence of a warden; voting records concerning who should lead services; elections for Chathan Torah and Chathan Bereishith and a complaint against the Secretary for performing his duties in a neglectful manner. Issues relating to many celebrated Anglo-Jewish families are cited as well as matters pertaining to the sale of Ethrogim, the Burial Society and repairs to the Synagogue. Included are letters of condolence to Her Royal Highness upon the loss of the Duchess Alice; a letter to the Rothschild family upon the loss of Baron Mayer de Rothschild and Lionel de Rothschild (with letter of appreciation from the Family). Most interesting is the correspondence from Chief Rabbi Adler complaining of the "disorder which prevails in the synagogue at the close of Neila." The Board resolved that the Congregation is ordered to remain seated until the absolute conclusion of the Evening Services.