The ark, viewed frontally, inside the Hobart Synagogue
About Us

Our Story

A community of faith, history and belonging in southern Tasmania.

History

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.

Torah scrolls with embroidered mantles
Judaism in Tasmania

Our community today

Orthodox

Traditional Services

Regular Orthodox services following ancestral custom.

Progressive

Progressive Services

A welcoming, contemporary approach to worship.

Heritage

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.