Princes Road Synagogue is a beautiful 150 year old Grade One listed building based in Liverpool, England. Its traditions are kept going by a dedicated set of volunteers, some of whom have been supporting this institution their entire lives.
PG is a long time member of Princes Road Synagogue, and in the last 15 years, has served in several official capacities - this picture shows him attired in the traditional formal dress of one of the wardens. He’s standing in front of Princes Road Synagogue’s rather opulent ark, a chamber that contains the Torah scrolls used for public worship.
Linda is a long-time congregant but in recent years has been assembling their exhibition on Liverpool Jewish history, and also one of the guides on the synagogue tours. She’s pictured here just inside the very grand wooden front doors of the building.
Ruth is from the very musical Dorfman family, all of whom were dedicated choristers at Princes Road. She’s sung in the choir since childhood, and Ruth and her friends kept the choir functioning throughout WW2. Ruth has recently retired, having been the conductor for several years. She took the role over from her uncle, who was conductor for 68 years, and she has also had other roles such as Secretary for Marriages and organist for weddings and other special occasions. Ruth’s eyeline here is upwards to where the choir gallery is, and where Ruth belongs, but the tight spiral staircase wasn’t created with mobility in mind; so for her portrait, a nostalgic glance will do.
Edward, the Reader (or Cantor) of Princes Road. It’s a musical role, leading the service in song alongside a rabbi, and backed by a choir. He’s had this role at Princes Road for 43 years and counting. Pictured here in traditional attire.
Edward, the Reader (or Cantor) of Princes Road. It’s a musical role, leading the service in song alongside a rabbi, and backed by a choir. He’s had this role at Princes Road for 43 years and counting. Edward stands against probably the most dramatic backdrop of the synagogue.
Saul, pictured here in the traditional attire of Senior Warden. Saul has been attending Princes Road regularly since 1991. He joined the choir in 1992 and was Bar Mitzvah here the following year. In 2006, at 26, he became the youngest warden elected by the congregation since 1872, and served almost every term of office until 2023. He had his wedding there in 2010 and his son, the fifth generation of his family to belong to the congregation, will be Bar Mitzvah here in 2025.
Naomi, up in the choir gallery, holding a picture of the Princes Road Synagogue choir c1950 when she was 14 years old. She is in the front on the right, next to her father, the conductor for 68 years, and her mother. In the row behind are her uncle, aunt, her cousin Ruth who appears earlier in this set, and her father’s sister. A quote by Naomi: ‘We were the choir then and every one of us remained a loyal member for her whole life, singing at every service, sometimes cancelling holidays so the choir could still function. I sat next to my mother and sang from the age of about 3. Only illness would prevent any of us attending. We were all choristers for 70 years or more. Only lack of voice prevents me from singing there now.’
Next from Princes Road Synagogue is Alaster Burman. Alaster’s family connection to the synagogue goes back well over 100 years - his great great grandfather Harris Burman was cantor there between 1882 and 1909. Alaster’s involvement goes back a mere 40 years, and he’s held most if not all of the official posts, as well as taking responsibility for Broadgreen Cemetery and a lot else besides - even caretaker.
Roy was bar mitzvah at Princes Road and has been a member for over 70 years, and has volunteered his time in many directions. He’s been a Trustee and Treasurer, he opens up the synagogue on the sabbath and sings in the choir. He helps out on maintenance jobs, is a visitors’ guide too, and quietly does all sorts of other important jobs behind the scenes.
Saul, pictured here in the traditional attire of Senior Warden. Saul has been attending Princes Road regularly since 1991. He joined the choir in 1992 and was Bar Mitzvah here the following year. In 2006, at 26, he became the youngest warden elected by the congregation since 1872, and served almost every term of office until 2023. He had his wedding there in 2010 and his son, the fifth generation of his family to belong to the congregation, will be Bar Mitzvah here in 2025.
Another long serving member of Princes Road - and that's all he'd like to share for the time being.