Hobart Synagogue
Hobart Synagogue
4.5
About
Thank you for your interest in the Hobart Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Australia. We are delighted to offer tours of the Hobart Synagogue. Curious visitors worldwide and locals join us to learn about the remarkable history of our congregation and Judaism in Tasmania, and to view the unique architecture and artefacts in the 1845 building. You can book tours of the synagogue on our website.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
24 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
6
Average
3
Poor
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Terrible
0
Michael
11 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We found our tour of the Hobart Synagogue to be fascinating on many levels. The building itself, nearly 180 years old, is interesting on its own. But it also provides a rare opportunity to see the continuous history of Jewish life over that lengthy period in a small city distant from centers of Judaism. Our knowledgeable guides, Yoram and David, were able to bring it all to life with stories and recollections about the community’s history. Finally, we found that a careful look at this small slice of Hobart history provided insight into the history of the city as a whole. Highly recommended!
Written 31 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lskmuse
New York City, NY61 contributions
Mar 2012 • Friends
The Hobart Synagogue is the oldest and first synagogue in Australia. It is also one of the finest examples of Egyptian Revival Architecture that exists in the world. A beautiful place in and of itself, it is a must see to appreciate the history of Tasmania and of Australia, Hobart being the oldest city on this continent. It was an emotional and meaningful visit. This is not just for Jews to appreciate. Historians, students, casual visitors, tourists will have a much fuller and deeper understanding of Hobart, Tasmania and Australia by arranging this visit. The phone number is on the outside of the synagogue. Be sure and go to Temple House next door.
Written 22 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine H
Rockville, MD241 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
We arranged for a private tour of the synagogue, hosted by the very knowledgeable and accommodating Tony O'Brian! Very unusual, but long history to the place, and entirely interesting, as one would imagine a shul at "the other end of the world." Not only the simple exterior but also the interior boasts an unusual hint of Egyptian architecture. The Aron Kodesh holds three lovely torahs, one encased in embellished silver and yet another on display in the anteroom. The sanctuary feels orthodox (with seating upstairs for the women) but modern day Reform services are held here as well with women permitted in the main level. The seating encircles on three sides a raised bema in center. On the whole, an unusual, warm hearted glimpse into Jewish life (then and now) in Tasmania. Well worth the visit!
Written 26 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel43,266 contributions
Oct 2019
This beautiful little synagogue is actually the oldest synagogue in Australia, dating back to 1845.
We visited the synagogue during a holiday and despite that, there were less than half a dozen people praying, as the Jewish community in Hobart is rather small.
We visited the synagogue during a holiday and despite that, there were less than half a dozen people praying, as the Jewish community in Hobart is rather small.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alkuzari
Istanbul, Türkiye16 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
This is my shul, where I davened many a shabbes and yom tov in my youth, and though I've lived far from Australia for many years now, I still remember my beloved old house of worship with deep fondness. The building itself is small-ish, reflecting the size of the community, which has never been large, but it is a gorgeous example of the so-called "Egyptian-style" architecture, and one of the oldest synagogues still in active use in Australia.
Tasmania's Jewish community is tiny but diverse and the synagogue is shared by an orthodox and liberal congregation. Services are held every shabbat and on Jewish holidays in either the orthodox or liberal style depending on which congregation's turn it is for that event. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome.
The synagogue building itself is beautiful and a real slice of history. The Syrian Torah scroll, which sometimes makes an appearance when there's a minyan, is a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship. The scroll was donated by the Indian-born lady Rachel Ezra in the late 19th century.
For Jewish travellers to Tasmania, the Hobart synagogue is an absolute must and for curious non-Jewish visitors, it offers a fascinating and unexpected insight into an extraordinary community. People seldom think of Jews when they think of Tasmania, but we do exist and we have a beautiful synagogue that is well worth a visit.
Tasmania's Jewish community is tiny but diverse and the synagogue is shared by an orthodox and liberal congregation. Services are held every shabbat and on Jewish holidays in either the orthodox or liberal style depending on which congregation's turn it is for that event. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome.
The synagogue building itself is beautiful and a real slice of history. The Syrian Torah scroll, which sometimes makes an appearance when there's a minyan, is a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship. The scroll was donated by the Indian-born lady Rachel Ezra in the late 19th century.
For Jewish travellers to Tasmania, the Hobart synagogue is an absolute must and for curious non-Jewish visitors, it offers a fascinating and unexpected insight into an extraordinary community. People seldom think of Jews when they think of Tasmania, but we do exist and we have a beautiful synagogue that is well worth a visit.
Written 24 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gitaSydney
Sydney, Australia151 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
This synagogue was established in 1845. The oldest synagogue in Australia. Daniel was a very knowledgable guide and very welcoming. Most is still in its original condition and well preserved. It is best to call and make an appointment.
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Gita. I am glad you enjoyed your tour and I passed the feedback to Daniel.
I’d just to point out to readers that we prefer tour requests to be done via our website.
Written 8 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
1robertboot
Maribyrnong, Australia10 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Whether for a Jew or Gentile, visiting the Hobart synagogue, Australia’s oldest, is a delightful experience. As is the case with many churches, the membership is very low, the congregation even much less for which this tour was guided by a volunteer whose expectation, quite naturally, is that one leaves a donation. This synagogue has had no rabbi since 1956, and is in need of maintenance. Well worth it.
Written 10 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie P
Melbourne, Australia61 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
A most unusual exterior for a Synagogue, built in the mid 1800's. Interior is original, giving an insight into Jewish life in those times.
Wanting to find out more about Jews in the early settlement of Hobart, we contacted the Hobart Synagogue to check their records. Staff were most helpful, but best of all, when visiting the synagogue, I saw the names I was looking for up on the boards in the shule, listing the founding members of the community. Just awesome.
Wanting to find out more about Jews in the early settlement of Hobart, we contacted the Hobart Synagogue to check their records. Staff were most helpful, but best of all, when visiting the synagogue, I saw the names I was looking for up on the boards in the shule, listing the founding members of the community. Just awesome.
Written 2 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerusalemtravel
Jerusalem, Israel916 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
This Synagogue is preserved beautifully. Its one of the first built in Australia. its almost identical externally to the Launceston Synagogue but the Hobart has been kept up internally in the best fashion. Tours can be organised to see the Synagogue with an explanation (as seen here in the photos) by David Clark.
Written 29 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, tours can be arranged through our website.
Written 3 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel C
Hobart, Australia37 contributions
Jan 2016
I was intrigued to find out about Hobart's Jewish community. I made a special effort to look for info on the internet when services were held, alas to no avail. I decided , well, then just go there on Saturday morning and surely there is bound to be someone there.I found it easily ,next to the hospital,a charming little building , locked up with a little gate. The sign on it said if you want info on the services to call several numbers but NOT on Shabbat. so what is a person to do on Shabbat. It was about 930 AM and the sign said services might be at 10 30 so I hung around.there is a Mcdonalds on the next block and a lovely Anglican (?) church around the corner with a garden and some interesting historical trivia. At 10 30 , a very obvious Ozzi showed up ( bush hat,sandals and all) who opened the gate.He welcomed me, told me he was a native Hobartian and gave me a little tour of the place.He was very pleasant and informative. A few minutes later, a couple showed up and David, a layman started the service.
Written 24 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry about this experience. We now have a website with services listed and a form to book a tour.
Written 9 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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