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Synagogue
Uniondale, Western Cape

Date:n.d.
Type:Synagogue
Status:Extant

 


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Coordinates:
33°39'21.86" S 23°07'29.69" E Alt: 719m

Transcription of information board.

In the late 1800's Uniondale had a thriving Jewish community whose members provided essential services to the town - shopkeepers, doctors and farming.

A Russian immigrant named Israel Shear was instrumental for founding the congregation and building the synagogue. The plain exterior of the little shul (synagogue) belies the exquisite interior of the building, with its original charming painted ceiling, bimah (elevated platform) and ornate cast iron pillars. The present wall decoration was a restoration project by the Lions Club and is not original. When the Jewish community declined in Uniondale the building was donated by Louis Linde to the town on condition that it was not used for religious purposes. Today it is the property of the local Lion's Club.