Golden Years

The golden years of Jewish life in Swansea were the decades leading up to the Great War, when hundreds of immigrant Jews arrived from Russia via the East End of London.

Although the arrival of the Russian immigrants caused some disunity within the community, it also ushered in a period of communal growth and energy. During the period between the wars a large number of Jewish societies, organisations, clubs and institutions flourished in Swansea. The cultural needs of the community were served by the Swansea Jewish Literary Society and Institute. There were also Jewish variety concerts, amateur dramatics and sports clubs.

Other highlights in the Jewish social calendar were the ex-servicemen's reunions, visits by the Chief Rabbi and charity fund raising events. As befitted a young community with a high birth rate there were also numerous weddings and barmitzvahs and other family celebrations.

However this period of growth was short lived. Although Swansea had attracted many immigrant families during the 1900s, by the 1960s and 70s, Jewish youngsters were leaving south Wales in ever greater numbers. With fewer couples raising families in Swansea, so the community began its steady demographic decline.

Today the congregation continues to meet regularly for religious worship, keeping alive a tradition that dates back well over 250 years.