ENGLISH HERITAGE

Window to Judaism

ב"ה

An Educational Visit to Singers Hill Synagogue

Professionally guided tours around one of the UK's most Beautiful & Historic Synagogues.

Book your visit

Come along. Explore Judaism with us!

Our tours are led by professional Tour Guides who will take you on an inspiring educational visit to the West Midlands oldest Synagogue, still in daily use.

The educational visits we offer meet the statutory requirements laid upon schools to provide a basic curriculum of religious education from foundation stage, Key stages 1-4 and sixth form.

On your visit with us we will cover the following subjects:

The Torah Scrolls
Jewish Traditions
The Jewish Symbols
Interactive tour - Q&A's & Much More

Our tours are interactive. Visitors are welcome to ask questions.

Singers Hill Synagogue situated close to the Mailbox in the heart of the City, has been the main Jewish place of worship in Birmingham and the Midlands for over 160 years.

Designed by Yeoville Thomason (who later went on to design the Council House in Victoria Square), it is one of the few Grade Two Star listed Synagogues in the County and is full of history and splendour.

The interior has recently been refurbished and visitors are able to see many biblical scenes, events in our recent history, festival depictions and symbols of our faith illustrated in our unique stained glass windows.

Our professional guided school tours give a flavour of Judaism and explain many of the key elements of our faith.

The tour lasts for approximately one and a half hours. The content is designed to fit in with the requirements of National Curriculum and there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions – so please think of some interesting ones!

If you wish for a specific aspect of Judaism to be focussed on during the tour please arrange this when making your booking and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

Separate adult tours are also available.

Please note:

Please act in a respectful manner while in the building.
All boys and men are required to have their head covered while in the Synagogue. This can be any kind of hat or cap, or skull caps can be loaned.
No food or drink of any kind may be brought in to the synagogue.
Cameras are welcome.
Some background of Judaism is not necessary but is highly recommended.

An Award Winning Synagogue

English Heritage's

Most Improved Place

of Worship

The West Midland's Oldest

Functioning

Synagogue

Newly Renovated Victorian

Grade Two Star Listed Building

Home to the Jewish Community

in and around Birmingham

Since 1856

Singers Hill Synagogue

Birmingham Hebrew Congregation

Ellis Street, Birmingham, B1 1HL

0121 643 0884 /

Most frequently asked questions

Question: What days are tours available?

Answer: When available tours are conducted Monday to Thursday only. The earliest time for a tour to commence is 10:00 am. Tours are not conducted on Fridays.

Question: What is the duration of the tour?

Answer: Approximately 80 to 90 minutes.

Question: Is there coach/bus parking?

Answer: Parking is not available on site. The coach can park outside the synagogue to disembark the children. The coach usually parks outside the Synagogue on double yellow lines but, provided the driver stays with the coach all has been well over the last few years of this practice. Please leave bags on the coach.

Question: What happens if the school party is early/late arriving for the synagogue tour?

Answer: You need to contact the office at the synagogue (0121 643 0884), if you are running late the tour can commence on your arrival but may have to be curtailed.

Question: If the party arrives earlier than the agreed appointment is there anywhere to wait.

Answer: Unfortunately, there is nowhere suitable to wait, if arriving by coach it is best to remain on the vehicle. Alternatively, we are very close to the Mailbox with all its attractions where you could look around. Please try to arrive punctually.

Question: Is food and drink allowed to be consumed in the synagogue?

Answer: No. Food or drink is not allowed in the synagogue; it all has to be Kosher.

Question: Is any head wear to be worn?

Answer: Yes, particularly for the boy and male members of staff / assistants; it is optional for girls. The synagogue can supply Kapels (skull caps) if required.

Question: How many can there be in a group?

Answer: The maximum numbers of pupils in a tour are limited to 40; that does not include teachers and assistants.

Question: Is there a charge for the tour?

Answer: Yes, there is a fixed cost of £70 for up to 21 children. Tours of 22 pupils and above are at a cost of £3.25 per child. This cost covers the professional guide and towards the cost of maintaining the synagogue. There is no charge for teachers, assistants or any supervising adults.

Question: When do we need to pay?

Answer: You will need to pay within 5 working days of making the booking. NB. THE BOOKING FOR THE TOUR IS NOT GUARANTEED UNLESS FULL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED WITHIN FIVE WORKING DAYS OF THE BOOKING CONFIRMATION.

For BACS payments use: Account Number: 69837738, Sort Code: 40-51-62.

Question: Do you have available a risk assessment?

Answer: No different authorities and organizations have their own requirements. Therefore, to make your own assessment you are welcome to visit the synagogue prior to your visit. Please arrange this by email to Singershillschooltours@gmail.com or by telephoning 0121 643 0884.

Additionally:

In advance of your visit you must advise us of the full name(s) of the lead teacher(s)and all adults-accompanying the children on the visit.
Please do not bring bags into the grounds or premises.
Please be respectful by keeping noise to a minimum whilst in and around the synagogue.