In the late 19th century, as waves of Eastern European emigrants sought passage to North America, Scotland became a significant waypoint, welcoming thousands of Jewish travelers. Glasgow, a bustling port city, witnessed this influx, giving rise to thriving communities and new settlements. The Jewish population in Scotland grew considerably during this time, with Glasgow and Edinburgh becoming key centers of Jewish life.
By the 1930s, Scotland’s Jewish population had established a rich tapestry of synagogues, cultural institutions, and vibrant social networks. This community of around 18,000 people built numerous synagogues, schools, and cultural organizations. The Gorbals area in Glasgow became a vibrant hub for Jewish immigrants. This neighborhood fostered a close-knit community with synagogues, educational programs, charitable endeavors, and lively social gatherings. Amidst the bustling streets, kosher vendors provided a comforting link to familiar traditions, preserving cherished connections to their ancestral roots within the embrace of their new home.
Despite the challenges of relocation, Jewish immigrants found solidarity within existing communities and placed great emphasis on education for their children. Many also found success in industries such as manufacturing and trade, with communal institutions providing vital support networks. For some, Scotland served as a steppingstone to further migration, particularly to the United States and Canada. Nonetheless, their enduring contributions have left an indelible mark on their adopted homeland, enriching Scottish society with their resilience and fortitude.
During the 1930s and 1940s, another wave of Jewish immigrants sought refuge amidst the upheaval of World War II. Hundreds fled Nazi persecution in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, with approximately 10,000 unaccompanied children up to the age of 17 finding sanctuary in Britain through the Kindertransport program. Glasgow, particularly the Garnethill area, became a significant settlement for many of these children and other Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution.
Jewish doctors seeking to resume their practice, businessmen revitalizing their enterprises, along with artists, scientists, educators, and exiled Polish soldiers, discovered fresh starts in Scotland. After the war, survivors of concentration camps also arrived in Scotland, determined to rebuild their lives. Their collective contributions enriched Scottish society, showcasing resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity. Tour guide Eleanor Livingston shared a poignant tale with the New York Jewish Travel Guide (NYJTG) about Lynn Wilson, a member of the community. Inspired by the Kindertransport children and moved by her parents’ miraculous survival and reunion, Wilson created a sculpture to commemorate their experiences.
Over the decades, the currents of emigration and assimilation have reshaped Scotland’s Jewish landscape. Glasgow and Edinburgh still maintain active Jewish communities, but the once-thriving Jewish presence in cities like Dundee and Aberdeen has diminished, leaving only echoes of their former vibrancy. The enduring legacy of these Jewish communities in Scotland is evident in their profound cultural, social, and economic contributions. Establishing numerous synagogues and cultural institutions, Jewish immigrants played a vital role in preserving their heritage and fostering community support. Despite evolving circumstances, the resilient spirit of these communities remains a source of enrichment and influence across Scotland.
Garnethill Synagogue: A Jewel of Jewish Heritage in Glasgow
Garnethill Synagogue is celebrated as the finest example of high Victorian synagogue architecture north of Liverpool. It ranks among the top ten historic synagogues in the UK. It is affectionately referred to as the “Mother Synagogue of Glasgow.”
The synagogue’s interior is a sanctuary of beauty and reverence. The rich woodwork, elaborate stained-glass windows, and decorative tiles create a serene environment for worship. At the heart of the synagogue is the central ark, a stunning piece designed to house the Torah scrolls, symbolizing both religious devotion and artistic excellence. The bimah, from which the Torah is read, is meticulously crafted, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship that defines the synagogue’s aesthetic. For thirty years, starting in 1925, Isaac Hirshow served as the synagogue’s cantor and was the first person to receive a Bachelor of Music at the University of Glasgow in October 1939. His contributions are honored with a plaque in the main hallway.
Historical and cultural significance
Beyond its architectural magnificence, Garnethill Synagogue is a cornerstone of historical and cultural significance. During the tumultuous years of World War II, it offered refuge and a sense of continuity to Jewish refugees escaping persecution in Europe. The synagogue’s archives and artifacts provide a profound insight into the history of Jewish life in Scotland, capturing the contributions and experiences of the Jewish community through the ages. The Scottish Jewish Archives Centre, housed within the synagogue, diligently preserves and promotes the history of Jewish people in Scotland through its extensive collection of documents, photographs, and memorabilia. This collection traces the Jewish experience in Scotland since the late 17th century, including a growing digital register of the Jewish community, cemetery records, personal artifacts, organizational records, photographs, and oral histories.
Today, Garnethill Synagogue remains a vibrant cultural hub and an active place of worship. It hosts a variety of events, including lectures, concerts, and exhibitions, that celebrate Jewish heritage and promote interfaith dialogue. The synagogue is also home to the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre, which preserves and promotes the history of Jewish people in Scotland through its extensive collection of documents, photographs, and memorabilia. This collection traces the Jewish experience in Scotland since the late 17th century and includes a growing digital register of the Jewish community, cemetery records, personal artifacts, organizational records, photographs, and oral histories.
Kerry Patterson, SJHC manager, told the NYJTG, “Approximately 150 older members, not all of whom are orthodox, reside south of the city.” The synagogue is open only on Shabbat and holidays, with around 40 to 50 people attending Shabbat services. “Some members, now living in London, maintain their membership for heritage reasons, as their families have been part of the community for generations.” Many other synagogues have either been demolished or merged, such as Giffnock and Newlands, while another one now operates as progressive reform synagogues.
Recognized as a protected category A listed building, Garnethill Synagogue is celebrated for its architectural and historical significance. It continues to symbolize resilience and community for Jews in Glasgow and beyond, standing as a testament to Scotland’s rich multicultural heritage. Garnethill Synagogue is a fascinating and engaging place for tourists visiting Glasgow, regardless of their interests in history, religion, or architecture.
Academic Connections
Livingston noted, “Each year, we welcome over 1,000 visitors from high schools and primary schools who are eager to learn about the synagogue, its history, Judaism, the Holocaust, and Jewish immigration to Scotland.” Although learning about the Holocaust is not part of the official curriculum in Scotland, a government-funded organization works directly with schools to integrate Holocaust education. Schools must reach a certain level of proficiency in Holocaust education to participate in these programs. Educational tours and school visits play a crucial role in ensuring that the younger generation understands and appreciates this history. Many Jewish students prefer to study at universities in Scotland rather than in England because they are not required to take a religious oath to the Church of England. She also pointed out that Asher Asher, M.D., was the first Jewish student allowed to study at the University of Glasgow, where he became part of the local Jewish community.
Preservation Efforts
Harvey Kaplan, Director of the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre, articulates the center’s mission: “For over two centuries, we’ve diligently collected materials documenting the Jewish experience in Scotland. Our archive not only tells the collective story of Scottish Jewry but also preserves the personal narratives of individuals and families who have called Scotland home.”
Kaplan has observed a growing curiosity among expatriate Scottish Jews, as evidenced in a recent conversation with a young man from Great Neck, New York. Originally from Glasgow, the young man was eager to delve into his family’s history. His grandfather’s role as the shamash piqued his interest, particularly in uncovering the stories of his father and uncle, who fled Berlin as refugees.
The Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre is committed to engaging with the community through various programs and events designed to educate, inspire, and promote a deeper understanding of Jewish heritage and its significance within Scottish history.
Honoring Glasgow’s Jewish Heritage Through Its Cemeteries
Glasgow honors its Jewish community through several cemeteries, each adding to the city’s cultural heritage.
Established in 1933, Glenduffhill Cemetery is Glasgow’s largest Jewish burial ground, with around 8,000 burials and serving many synagogues and Jewish care homes.
Sandymount Cemetery, with about 2,225 burials, offers meticulous records and online access to its layout for visitors.
The historic Janefield Street Cemetery, while inactive, contains older graves that contribute to Glasgow’s Jewish heritage. Adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral, the Western Necropolis, established in 1830, was one of the city’s earliest Jewish burial grounds and includes notable burials like Rabbi Rubinstein. Rediscovered during recent restorations, it remains a vital part of the necropolis.
These cemeteries collectively honor Glasgow’s Jewish community and preserve its legacy.
For those seeking kosher dining options in Glasgow:
Mr. Mark Cohen is the fourth-generation proprietor of Mark’s Deli, Scotland’s favorite kosher deli. Offering a wide range of kosher products, including meats, dairy foods, dips, and salads, it operates under the Kashrus supervision of WSKC.
L’Chaim Restaurant: Adjacent to the Giffnock synagogue, L’Chaim Restaurant offers kosher catering services for various occasions, including Shabbat meals, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and dinner parties. Pre-booking is essential, and the restaurant may accommodate large groups upon request. L’chaim Kosher Catering also provides food for Kiddush at Shul and other events.
For additional information,
Authored by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide.com, and New York Jewish Guide.com
Adam Henderson of Kosher Scotland sponsored this Jewish Heritage press tour, offering travelers kosher-compliant experiences in Jewish Heritage, whisky, and adventure tours.
For thorough assistance in arranging your kosher excursion to Scotland, connect with Kosher Scotland. Visit their website at https://kosherscotland.com/.
or email them at office@kosherscotland.com for all the essential details.
The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC) is the democratically-elected representative organization for the Jewish community in Scotland. https://www.scojec.org/index.html
