Our Synagogue
As a small provincial community we are extremely fortunate to occupy this beautiful grade 2* listed building which was built in 1869 by Simon Magnus in memory of his son, Lazarus, and designed in the Baroque style by Hyman Collins.
It occupies the site of an earlier synagogue dating back to about 1750. The site where the minister’s house used to be is now occupied by the Centenary Hall.
As a grade 2* listed building, the fabric and structure of the synagogue are constantly in need of repairs and maintenance. Our membership income is fully utilised in meeting the running costs of the synagogue, so when major repair and renovation to the Synagogue become necessary, this is usually the subject of a separate appeal though fundraising is an ongoing process. In particular we are in desperate need of a disabled access.
We appreciate the support of Jewish Heritage for our historic synagogue and community.
For further details please click www.jewish-heritage-uk.org
The Magnus family
The button opposite will take you to a full and comprehensive history of the synagogue wriiten by Life President Gabriel Lancaster MBE. The synagogue history is inextricably linked with that of Simon Magnus and his son Capt. Lazarus Simon Magnus, who died tragically at the age of 39. The photos on the left below shows the memorial plaque in the entrance hall of the synagogue and memorial in the cemetery behind the synagogue.
The photograph on the right below shows Lazarus Magnus in his uniform as a Captain in the 4th Kent Artillery Volunteers
The memorial plaque of Capt. Lazarus Simon Magnus, in the entrance hall of the synagogue.
The memorial to Lazarus Magnus which is in the old cemetery to the rear of the synagogue.
Lazarus Magnus who served three terms as Mayor of Queenborough died tragically at the young age of 39..
Magnus anniversary
2008 marked the 150th anniversary of Lazarus Magnus's first term of office of Mayor of Queenborough - a Civic Service to mark this occasion was held in the synagogue on Sunday 16 March 2008 and it was atttended by the mayors of Medway, Queenborough and Ramsgate.
Irina Fridman, a member of the synagogue and a Medway archivist has written an article about the life of Lazarus Magnus - click below for the full text.
The above photograph shows the memorial book which contains the names of the founders of the synagogue including members of the Magnus family. It also has the names of Sir Moses and Lady Judith Montefiore.