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.

Record Sleeve (Object)

Copyright/attribution: Jewish History Association of South Wales

Object held at Cynon Valley Museum, Digital Image & Research copyright Jewish Historical Association of South Wales.

What do you see?

We can see the name Victor Freed and an address in Aberdare. Look closely, what do you see?

What do we know?

This is a gramophone record that came from ‘Victor Freed Ltd. Music Specialists.’ Freed born in Russia in 1883 and later migrated to Wales. He became a well known businessman and key figure in the Jewish community in Aberdare. He opened his first shop in 1904, by the 1930s he had expanded to Aberdare and by the 1950s to Cardiff. His family run business sold musical instruments, gramophone records, electrical products and home furnishings.

The Jewish community in Cynon Valley lasted for around 100 years between 1858 – 1957. The largest community was in Aberdare between the 1910s and 1930s with approximately 90 members of the synagogue.

What do you wonder?

We might wonder how long it took Victor Freed to feel successful? We might wonder how he felt working alongside his family? What do you wonder?

Discussion Questions

Why is it important to remember historical Jewish businesses in Wales?

In what ways might immigrants and migrants arriving in the U.K. and Wales today contribute to society?