Our Story
A community of faith, history and belonging in southern Tasmania.
Built in 1845
The Hobart Synagogue was consecrated in 1845, making it the oldest synagogue building in Australia. Designed by James Thomson in the rare Egyptian Revival style, its trapezoidal windows and lotus-capital columns remain unique among the world's synagogues.
The land was a gift from Judah Solomon, and the building has served the Hobart Hebrew Congregation continuously ever since. Read a family account of Judah Solomon's descendants in our Descendant Stories.
Our community today
Traditional Services
Regular Orthodox services following ancestral custom.
Progressive Services
A welcoming, contemporary approach to worship.
Heritage Register
Listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
Both streams share this building and are equally part of the Hobart Hebrew Congregation today — read more about our congregation, or explore the full history and digital archives.
Explore our story further
History & Archives
The full story of the building, its founding, and the community that has worshipped here for almost two centuries.
Our Congregation
Who we are now — a single, inclusive congregation home to both Orthodox and Progressive Judaism.
Judaism in Tasmania
What it's like to live a Jewish life in a small, self-reliant island community today.
Descendant Stories
Personal accounts from descendants of the founding members of the Congregation, including Judah Solomon.