About Us
Jews have lived and worshipped in Exeter for over 250 years. The synagogue, which was built in 1763, is small, beautiful and, happily, still used regularly for services. It has been carefully restored by successive generations, the last time being some fifteen years ago.
As we approach our 250th Anniversary, we have embarked on another major repair and restoration
programme, eliminating some of the causes of damp,
and repairing parts which have been damaged or just
generally deteriorated over time. This work is
very costly and we need much financial help from
our members, supporters and friends. Donations, large
and small, are much appreciated. Perhaps people
could think in numbers containing 250 or multiples of
250, from £25 to £25,000 or more. Please
contact us to ask for
more information, or send a donation direct to the
synagogue address.
Or use our JustGiving site to make a donation or organise a fundraising event or activity. Click here to make a donation now or click on the JustGiving logo
for more options
We will also arrange a series of events culminating in celebrations next summer. Watch this space for more details, or join the community to receive details by e-mail.
The synagogue, by its very existence and antiquity, forms a focal point for the Jewish identity of many Jews living in the South West, of a wide variety of backgrounds, persuasions and commitments.
The Work of the Congregation
All the work we do is completely voluntary. We provide religious services, social activities, cultural events and other forms of contact for Jewish people, and for our many friends. We visit the sick in hospital, we visit Jewish prisoners in local prisons, we officiate at weddings and funerals, all to the best of our ability. Thousands of school-children visit the synagogue each year, for most of whom it is their first contact with Jews and Judaism.We actively promote inter-faith understanding.
The Cemetery
The Congregation's ancient and picturesque cemetery is maintained at its expense, and provides a peaceful resting place for its members. It has a haunting beauty, enhanced by the Hebrew lettering of its ancient tombstones, that we are anxious to preserve sensitively for the future.
Membership
The work that we do is for the good name of all Jewish people, whether they belong to a synagogue or not, and reaches many people, of all faiths and none, who seek us out. They come from Devon, from the South West, from throughout Britain, and from the whole world. We would appreciate your donation, which may be sent to the address on the home page, to help us with our work.
We welcome anyone who is Jewish to become a member of the Congregation. We are also welcoming to those who are not Jewish who wish to become a Friend.
Click here to download a membership pack, or contact our membership secretary Dr Paul Newgass
Constitution
If you would like to read our constitution, click here.
Archives
For more details regarding the history of the Jewish community in Exeter and the wider South West please visit: