Garnethill Synagogue / Garnethill Hebrew Congregation is one of Glasgow's (&, indeed, Scotland's) true hidden gems.
Located in the diverse area of Garnethill in Glasgow City Centre, Garnethill Synagogue is a Victorian 'Grade-A'-listed building, deemed as such for its significant architectural splendour & history, & the Synagogue is Scotland's first ever purpose-built Synagogue. Founded in 1879, it was designed by John McLeod of Dumbarton (just outside of Glasgow), in conjunction with London-based architect Nathan Solomon Joseph, to serve Glasgow's rapidly-expanding Jewish community.
People of all faiths come from all over the world to visit, not only for worship but because the interior is something at which to marvel. Often referred to as the 'Mother Synagogue of Glasgow', Garnethill Synagogue has been described as the finest example of high-Victorian synagogue architecture North of Liverpool.
Part of Glasgow Doors Open Days weekend (in which many significant locations around the city are open to all without arrangement), if you wish to visit the rest of the year please refer to the 'Visiting' link below, which includes info on how to arrange your visit.
For those wishing to visit for worship, Garnethill is a friendly congregation that welcomes visitors on Shabbat (Sabbath is sundown Friday night through sundown Saturday night, in the Jewish faith) & Yomtov (holidays). Shabbat (Saturday) services begin at 10am.
Please email or call ahead to arrange in advance.
In addition to being a part of Glasgow's / Scotland's living-history through its architecture & worship services, Garnethill Synagogue is dedicated to preserving the records of the Jewish experience in Scotland, as part of an understanding of the Jewish diaspora, & as well as the larger multicultural heritage of Scotland. The Scottish Jewish Archives Centre (SJAC) & has been based in the Synagogue since 1987, & the Synagogue is also home to Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre, a joint-project run by SJAC & Garnethill Synagogue Preservation Trust.
Tours are available via the SJAC - info on the 'Visiting' page, link below.
Garnethill Synagogue is registered charity.
*Accessibility note - There is a hearing loop installed. Please contact Garnethill for more details on accessibility.
(Illustration below via Glasgow Doors Open Days on Twitter)
More info via..
Website
Homepage - https://garnethill.org.uk
History - https://garnethill.org.uk/history (including a lovely & informative video documentary - video may auto-play on some browsers if 'Block Auto-play' is not enabled)
Visiting - https://garnethill.org.uk/visiting
Glasgow Jewish Representative Council - https://www.jewishglasgow.org/garnethill-hebrew-congregation
Twitter :
(of both museum-libraries housed in Garnethill Synagogue)
Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre - https://twitter.com/SJHC_Glasgow
Scottish Jewish Archives Centre - https://twitter.com/TheSJAC
Email - info@garnethill.org.uk
Telephone - +44 (0)141 332 4151