Closing shul seeks new home for its precious Torah ark

A Birmingham shul forced to close after almost 100 years is looking for a new home for its precious Torah arks. 

The decision to close The Andrew Cohen Shul was made on Tuesday after it became clear the building in which it resides has been sold to a commercial provider, leaving no room for the synagogue.

Andrew Cohen Shul is situated within the Andrew Cohen House care home and has provided Jewish, as well as non-Jewish residents, the opportunity to experience “uplifting and lively shabbat and yom tov services, as well as somewhere to mark personal events,” according to a statement.

The decision to close was described as “emotional” as it has been “enthusiastically” supported by the Birmingham Jewish community, and also served as a place for students to daven until COVID-19 hit.

“It is very sad to say goodbye to our shul, where so many of us have memories of sharing special occasions with family and friends and helping those in the twilight of their days to continue to practice their faith, and sometimes learn new skills in doing so. Tears were shed at our meeting, but the committee is now getting down to the business of finding good new homes for the seforim and furnishings of the synagogue,” Synagogue president Dr Alan Stanton said.

Rabbi Arkush, Rabbi of Birmingham Jewish Community Care under whose auspices the home and synagogue have been run, said: “There has been a synagogue within the Jewish care home in Birmingham for nearly 98 years.  Although this is the end of an era, there will still be individuals willing to visit people who would otherwise be alone on Shabbat.”

The final service will be at 1pm on Sunday 5 March and places must be booked in advance.