Interesting Places I've Photographed
Nidhe Israel Synagogue
Bridgetown, Barbados
Topic: Philatelic Photographs
GPS: N13° 05.958; W059° 36.916
Quick Description:
The restored Nidhe
Israel Synagogue is located next to Nidhe Israel Museum on Synagogue Lane
between Coleridge Street and Magazine Lane in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Long Description:
The Jewish Synagogue called the Nidle Israel Synagogue (Bet Knesset Nide Yisrael - Synagogue of the Scattered of Israel) is the only synagogue in Bridgetown and is one of the oldest active synagogues in the western hemisphere.
The original synagogue building, constructed in 1750, was heavily damaged by the hurricane of 1831. It fell into disrepair and, in 1929, was deconsecrated. It was sold and subsequently underwent many changes of ownership. In 1983, the present synagogue and museum complex was obtained by the Barbados Government. The buildings was saved from being razed and then turned over to the Barbados National Trust for renovation. In 1986 renovation of the synagogue began. Upon completion the building was restored for use as a synagogue. However, it is still owned by the Barbados National Trust.
The reconstructed synagogue combining Jewish, Gothic, Renaissance and Barbadian architectural features. The pastel buff and white building is especially famous for its beautiful lancet-shaped Gothic style arch windows, its balustraded roof-line, and thick walls with rounded corners. The synagogue appears today much as it did in the 1830's when the prosperous Jewish community of Barbados dominated the island's sugar industry.
The stamp is part of a set of four stamps issued by Barbados in 1987 to commemorate the completion of the restoration of the Nidhe Israel Synagogue.
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