And the Walls Sang

Description

A narrative history of Birminghams Jewish community, told through the story of Singers Hill Synagogue and the families connected to it, tracing their lives, trades and cultural impact from the seventeenth century to today, including the authors own family journey from Eastern Europe to Birmingham.

Spanning three centuries, this vivid narrative explores the rise of Birminghams Jewish community through the lens of its magnificent Grade II* listed Singers Hill Synagogue, built in 1856. From the early Jewish families of the seventeenth century to the industrious artisans and entrepreneurs of the Victorian era, the book uncovers a world of tailors,jewellers, cinema pioneers and renowned professionals who helped to shape the citys character.

Woven throughout is the authors own family story: a grandfathers journey from Lithuania, a marriage forged at Singers Hill, and childhood memories of the demanding Victorian Hebrew School.

A rich portrait of a community and a city transformed and of the places and people whose stories deserve to be remembered.