House of Israel - Synagogue

A stone tablet records: This Foundation Stone ws laid by - S.Saunders, Esq. J.P. - President Adelaide Hebrew Congregation - on Novemebr 30. 1910 - (Keshven 28. 5671.) - G.Krantz, President -  Minister Rev. Z. Mandelbaum.

Information plaque records: A Hebrew congregation was formed in Broken Hill in 1900 when there were about 150 in the Jewish community. Religous services were initially held in the Masonic Hotel and, in 1905 Rev Mandelbaum was appointed minister. In 1907, this site was granted by the NSW government for the erection of a Synagogue. The Foundation stone was laid on 30 November 1910 by Solomon Saunders, President of the Adelaide Hebrew Congregation. The Consecration was performed by Rabbi F.L.Cohen of the Sydney Synagogue on 26 February 1911. The Synagogue closed in 1962 and its scrolls and silverware were transferred to a Melbourne Synagogue. The building was subsequently used as a residence. In 1989, a permanent preservation order was placed on the building, one of only three synangogues remaining outside Sydney. The building was purchased by the Broken Hill Historical Society in 1990 and restored as its headquarters, which were opened in 1991.