BALLARAT SYNAGOGUE COMPLEX

 

 

The Ballarat Synagogue Complex consists of the synagogue, the Paul Simon Memorial Hall (former Hebrew School), the Succah, the former Minister’s Residence and a Pinus Canariensis (Canary Island Pine).  The Synagogue was constructed in 1861, in the Renaissance Revival style to designs by the local architect, T. B. Cameron. Cameron also designed the Minister’s Residence at the western end of the complex in 1862, and it was erected soon after. The classically styled Paul Simon Memorial Hall (former Hebrew School) sits between the synagogue and Minister’s Residence and was opened in 1865. The Pinus Canariensis (Canary Island Pine) at the front (east) of the synagogue, is the one remaining of two planted in 1867. The utilitarian Succah, clad in galvanised corrugated iron and with its opening roof, was constructed around 1900 and moved to its current location in 2007. 

Associated with the place are a range of objects associated with worship at the synagogue from the mid-nineteenth century onwards, including Torah scrolls, prayer books, tablets, furnishings and other items.

The Ballarat Synagogue Complex is of historical and architectural  significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:
Criterion A
Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.
Criterion D
Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects

 

The Ballarat Synagogue Complex is of historical significance as an early example of a synagogue constructed for a Jewish congregation in Australia. Serving an orthodox congregation in its early years, it is one of the few surviving nineteenth-century synagogues in Victoria still used for religious purposes and containing objects from the early years of religious observance. It is significant as an intact complex of religious buildings, that demonstrate the Jewish presence on the goldfields. It is the oldest continuously operating synagogue on mainland Australia. 

 

The Ballarat Synagogue Complex is of architectural significance as a fine example of conservative classical design as applied to an early religious building in Victoria. The striking interior of the building is significant and includes original furniture and fittings, including a cedar Bimah and cedar-fronted Ark, and cast iron gallery balustrading.