Behold Ohel Leah Synagogue. This beautiful building serves as a beacon for Hong Kong’s Jewish community. Its story began far from here in Baghdad with the Sassoon family. They were once chief treasurers.
Political shifts caused David Sassoon to flee with his family in the 19th century. By 1832, they reached Bombay and established an international trading house. As their opium trade grew, they ventured into China. When Hong Kong opened for business in the 1850s, the Sassoons arrived too.
Initially, they bought land for a Jewish cemetery in 1855. By the end of the century, they needed a permanent synagogue. The Sassoon family acquired the land. Leigh & Orange Ltd began work on Ohel Leah in 1901.
Completed within a year, this Sephardic-style synagogue was named after Leah. She was the mother of Jacob, Edward, and Meyer Sassoon. Jacob later founded the Ohel Rachel synagogue in Shanghai in 1920. It was named after his wife. The Sephardi Jewish architecture reflects the Sassoon ancestry. It also mirrors the majority of the congregation at the time.
Initially, it answered to the Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Congregation of London. The Kadoorie family also contributed to Hong Kong. They built the Jewish Recreation Club next to Ohel Leah.
After the 1917 Russian Revolution, Ashkenazi Jews arrived. This diversified the community. Ohel Leah became a vibrant center of worship. Over time, the facade was elaborated. Stucco was added. The towers were extended.
During the Japanese occupation, the Imperial Army occupied the building. The Jews were interned in Prisoner of War Camps. It is believed that the building’s use by the Japanese saved it from destruction.
After the war, more Jews came to Hong Kong. The community thrived. But by the 1980s, Ohel Leah needed restoration. Land stability was also an issue. In 1997, work began.
In 1998, the restored Ohel Leah was revealed. This meticulous work saved a cultural treasure. It also won a UNESCO award for cultural heritage conservation. Today, Ohel Leah serves a diverse community. It draws from over 17 countries and 200 families.
At the back, you can see the foundation stone. It was laid on May 7, 1901. The wall bears the synagogue’s name. A path leads to the ritual bath. It is used by the community. The light glistens off the stucco. The original red brick is underneath.
Stepping inside Ohel Leah, you enter a darkened interior. It feels like a time capsule.
The towers on either side serve different purposes. One contains a stairway. The other houses the library. The circular room is filled with books. In the lobby, two stone tablets are visible. The top one is the dedication stone. It states that the synagogue is named The Tent of Leah. Jacob Elias David Sassoon built it in honor of his mother. The stone also reads “This is a gate of the Lord into which the righteous shall enter.” The naming of the synagogue as a tent shows how Jews avoid using the word temple to describe holy structures other than the Temple in Jerusalem. A Roll of Honour lists the names of Jewish community members. They lost their lives in the 1941 to 1945 defense of Hong Kong.
The dark tones of the wood and light paint define the interior. Multiple paint layers were found during restoration. The chosen cream color contrasts with the burnt umber woodwork. Stained glass windows beautifully light the chamber.
There is a central raised platform. Seating is arranged around it. The periphery seating is common in Sephardi synagogues. Shawls called tallitot are available. Ashkenazi Jews use a black striped tallit. They wear it during prayer with a kippah. Cubby holes store prayer items.
The central platform is the bimah. It is used to recite from the Torah. The reading table holds the Torah. Yad pointers are used during readings. They prevent damage to the Sefer Torah.
A menorah stands on a column. It is a seven branched candle stand. It symbolizes Judaism.
Behind a curtain are wooden doors with the Star of David. This is the Torah ark. Also known as the Aron Kodesh or Hekhál, it stores the Sifrei Torah. Ohel Leah has a newly created Torah in an embossed silver case. The ark is nearest Jerusalem. It is air conditioned. During the War, the scrolls were hidden.
Above the platform are stone replicas of the ten commandment tablets.
The ladies’ seating is on the second floor. In orthodox synagogues, the congregation is segregated. Ohel Leah is a Modern Orthodox congregation. Other congregations exist in Hong Kong.
Ohel Leah tells the story of the Jews in Hong Kong. It is a community that has grown and adapted. It remains anchored in its traditions.