Educational Resources

This Digital Resource Library was created by the Jewish Museum London learning team. The Library brings together objects, video and audio that relate to the Jewish experience in Wales from collections across the country and is specifically designed for teachers and students.

Merthyr Community & Synagogue (Audio)

In the 19th century Merthyr Tydfil was the largest town in Wales and the centre of industry in the region at the time. There were many jobs and opportunities which attracted immigrants from many countries, including Jewish people. There had been Jewish people living in Merthyr since the 1830s and by the 1870s the community had grown large enough for the construction of a synagogue. The synagogue ran until 1983 when it closed down as the community moved away from Merthyr.

A Synagogue is the Jewish place of worship. It is where many Jewish people will gather for daily prayers and weekly services.

Listen to Rabbi Yisroel Fine as he remembers the Merthyr Tydfil Jewish community and synagogue.