Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue to open its door for Open Cambridge

Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue, one of only two synagogues in Cambridge, is throwing open its doors for public tours on Sunday (September 10), as part of Open Cambridge.

The synagogue building in Auckland Road will be open for members of the public from 12-5pm, and there will be an exhibition about Judaism and Jews, and Jewish objects to handle.

There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the ancient art of writing Torah scrolls and for visitors to try their hand at writing Hebrew letters, with reeds, parchment, papyrus and quills. Colouring sheets and crayons will be available for children.

Tours of the modern, accessible building will take place at 1pm; 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, and synagogue members will be on hand to answer any questions.

Beth Shalom has been an active community since 1981, but only moved into a purpose-built synagogue building on Auckland Road, near Midsummer Common, in 2015.

It hosts regular tours for school groups, but this open day, ahead of Jewish New Year later this month, will be the first public tour.

David Karat, chair of Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors of all faiths and none to our beautiful building, offering a taste of Cambridge Jewish life to anyone who's interested. We hope that people will leave feeling that they have learnt a little more about Jews and Judaism.”