Think back to 1656. Here at the Site of First Synagogue after the Resettlement Plaque, we uncover a pivotal moment in Anglo-Jewish history. Let me tell you a story of resilience and rebirth.
This plaque marks the location of the Creechurch Lane Synagogue. It was the first synagogue in England after the resettlement of Jews in 1656. Before this, Jews had been expelled from England in 1290. For over 350 years, there was no overt Jewish community in England.
Oliver Cromwell never officially readmitted Jews. However, a small group of Sephardic Jews in London were allowed to stay in 1656. This led to the establishment of the Creechurch Lane Synagogue. The lease was acquired in December 1656. Services began in January 1657. The Site of First Synagogue after the Resettlement was located at 5 Creechurch Lane.
The synagogue building was enlarged in 1674. It served as a place of worship and community for Spanish and Portuguese Jews. It was also used by Ashkenazi Jews. The Sephardi community referred to the Ashkenazi as Tedescos. However, Ashkenazi Jews could not hold office or vote. They also could not take part in the service.
Rabbi Samuel Levy was the first Rabbi of the Congregation. Other Rabbis included Moses Athias, Jacob Sasportas, Joshua da Silva, Jacob Abendana and Solomon Ayllon.
In February 1657, the community acquired land in Mile End. It was east of the City. This became the first Jewish cemetery in England since the expulsion. The cemetery was known as Mile End Velho.
The Site of First Synagogue after the Resettlement remained in use until 1701. It was succeeded by the Bevis Marks Synagogue. After that, the building became a parish workhouse until 1857. Eventually it was demolished.
Today, a ceramic plaque marks the site of this former synagogue. The City of London maintains the plaque. It stands as a reminder of a community’s rebirth. It signifies their return to England after centuries of absence. The Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation funded the plaque.
The Spanish & Portuguese Jews’ Congregation of London traces its origin back to the Petition presented to Cromwell in 1656 by Rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel. It was a request to permit Jews to live and worship openly in England. This Site of First Synagogue after the Resettlement is a symbol of that hard-won right. It represents the community’s enduring legacy.