Glasgow Doors Open Day is a much-loved festival celebrating the city’s architecture, culture and heritage. This year, the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre was proud to take part once again, welcoming the public into the historic Garnethill Synagogue and the exhibitions of the Scottish Jewish Archive Centre.
With autumn sunshine filling the city, over 240 visitors joined us to explore Scotland’s first purpose-built synagogue, completed in 1879. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, guests not only admired the building’s stunning Victorian design but also learned about its place within Glasgow’s Jewish history.
On arrival, visitors were introduced to the story of Glasgow’s 19th-century Jewish community who established the synagogue. Plaques around the entrance offered a glimpse into this history, including a tribute to Russian immigrant Issac Hirshow who came to Glasgow in the 20s, was the synagogue’s cantor from 1925 – 1956 and very impressively, the University of Glasgow’s first graduate in music.
One of the most admired features was the stained-glass windows above the staircase. With sunlight streaming through, the colours shone beautifully, while our volunteers explained the symbolic use of fruits and flowers, reflecting Judaism’s prohibition against ‘graven images’.
Inside the prayer hall, guests paused to take in the grandeur of its Victorian architecture. Volunteers were on hand to explain the religious traditions, symbolism, and personal stories of Jewish life in Glasgow. Visitors attending in the afternoon were treated to a special performance by the Glasgow Jewish Singers, whose voices, lifted from the bimah (an integral part of a synagogue where the Torah is read from), filled the hall with music that resonated wonderfully in the synagogue’s unique acoustics.
The journey continued downstairs, where the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre opened its doors. In the Jacobs Room, the A New Life in Scotland exhibition offered a look at Jewish history in Scotland dating back to the 1700s, with volunteers available to share their knowledge and answer questions.
Visitors also had the opportunity to explore the Scotland a Sanctuary exhibition in the Succah. This moving display tells the story of the refugees who arrived in Scotland during the 1930s and 1940s, and highlights how people from many different backgrounds came together to support those fleeing persecution.
This year’s festival was another wonderful opportunity to share Jewish heritage with the people of Glasgow. We hope everyone who visited left with a deeper understanding of both the city’s Jewish community and Scotland’s wider cultural story.
We extend our heartful thanks to the Garnethill congregation, our fantastic volunteers, and the team at the Scottish Jewish Archive Centre – without whom this event would not have been possible.
We look forward to welcoming even more visitors at next year’s Doors Open Day!
Photography credit to Sequoia Hearne/ Mirrorbox Creative @mirrorboxcreative
