Old Synagogue

In 1914, a magnificent structure arose in Johannesburg, the Old Synagogue. It was a testament to the burgeoning Jewish community, inspired by the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The Old Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue, occupied an entire city block, its central copper dome, crowned with a Star of David, dominating the skyline. The architect, Theophile Schaerer, blended Byzantine influences with modern technology, employing the first steel-reinforced concrete dome in South Africa. Inside, the sanctuary could hold 1,400 worshippers, its vast space illuminated by a ring of clerestory windows. The Ark, a gilded cabinet, stood within a half-domed niche on the north wall, its original parochet replaced. The Old Synagogue thrived for decades, a hub for Johannesburg’s Jewish community. High Holiday services were often overflowing, a testament to its importance. However, by the 1960s, the city’s demographics began to shift. The Jewish community migrated northward, leaving the city center. Despite the dwindling congregation, the Old Synagogue persevered until 1995. Escalating crime and a lack of parking ultimately led to its sale. Today, the Old Synagogue serves a new community as the Bethesda Bible Church, its soaring dome now resonating with gospel music. The original pews are gone, but the grandeur remains. The Star of David still adorns the dome, a silent reminder of the building’s rich heritage. While its purpose has changed, the Old Synagogue continues to inspire, a testament to the enduring power of faith and architecture.