Takanoth… de K. K. Beth Haknesseth HaGedolah: Laws of the Congregation of the Great Synagogue, Duke’s Place, London.

(ANGLO-JUDAICA).

Joseph Wertheimer

London

1827

Text in Hebrew and English.

Vinograd, London 275; Roth, London 137.

The Great Synagogue of London was established in 1692 and occupied its final home in Duke’s Place from 1722 until its destruction by German aerial bombardment in 1941. It was the seat of of the Chief Rabbinate of the British Empire, and the Aschkenazic Mother Congregation of the English-speaking Jewish world. In 1827 the decision was taken to review and codify all synagogue rules and regulations enacted to date “in order that the eccentricity of individuals may not disturb the general harmony.” The resulting code, comprising 320 regulations, covers all the rights and responsibilities of the overseers, clergy, members, and non-members, and is especially vigorous concerning fees and fines. The volume also contains a short history of the congregation and lists officers and principal benefactors, including Moses Hart, builder of the 1722 synagogue, Judah Phillips of Jamaica, and “Dr. Samuel de Falk,” otherwise known as the Baal Shem of London.