A strong Jewish presence in Waverley
Sydney’s Waverley Historical Society has launched an exhibition of ‘Celebrations in 19th and 29th century Waverley’ with a focus on the churches and synagogues in the area.
Suzanne Rutland showing images of Central Synagogue and a newspaper article re the opening of the Mizrachi Synagogue to Rabbi Tzuri Avila of Central Synagogue.
The president of the society, Audrey McCallum, explained that the aim of the exhibition was to show how people in the area interacted and came together through church and synagogue groups not just for prayer but to socialise in an era before the internet and social media. She thanked Professor Emerita Suzanne Rutland for her assistance with the panels dealing with the synagogues.
The exhibition includes a large display highlighting the diverse elements of religious life, including music, choirs, stained glass windows, weddings and funerals, social events and stories.
The exhibition was officially launched by Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, who stressed the importance of history and preserving that history including to ensure we learn, understand and remember the past.
She noted that they have not managed to save the Harry Seidler-designed Yeshiva Synagogue, although she expressed the hope that the façade can be preserved.
She spoke about the place of history in our world, the role celebrations play and the fact that synagogues and churches are places where we can gather and share experiences.
Mayor Masselos gave examples of the various churches and their stories such as St Patrick’s which she noted has amazing stained glass windows. She concluded that ‘this exhibition is something we all need to see and reflect on.’
A vote of thanks was moved, thanking Mrs McCallum for her dedication, noting the the hours of research and the organization required to put on this exhibition.
The Waverley municipality represents a diverse, multicultural society, but an exhibition of synagogues and churches highlights what we have in common.
