Maghain Aboth Synagogue
24 Waterloo Street Singapore 187950
The oldest Jewish synagogue in Southeast Asia, it dates back to 1841, when three Jews — Joseph Dwek Cohen, Nassim Joseph Ezra and Ezra Ezekiel — were given a land lease to build a synagogue in Synagogue Street.
When businessman Manasseh Meyer returned to Singapore in 1873 he found the synagogue had become very run-down and set about planning a new one. Meyer was given the site in Waterloo Street, then called Church Street because of the presence of the Church of Saint Peter & Paul nearby. The Jewish community soon began moving into the surrounding areas.
Construction of Maghain Aboth, which means Shield of Our Fathers, began soon after, and was completed in 1878. A well was sunk for use as a mikvah (ritual bath). The consecration service was held on 4th April 1878.
In 1924, extensions were made to the building. Nevertheless, with the growth of the community, Maghain Aboth became rather crowded, prompting Manasseh Meyer to build a private synagogue for his family and friends. The Synagogue was gazetted as a national monument in 1998.
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