York’s historic Aldwark Synagogue has been honoured with a moving and long-awaited deconsecration service, thanks to the hard work of York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC).

The Orthodox synagogue opened in 1892, the first Jewish place of worship in the city since the expulsion of Jews in 1290. It closed its doors in 1975.

YLJC brought Jewish life back to York in 2014 and on hearing that a developer was to turn the synagogue into flats, YLJC’s Warden Howard Duckworth set in plan the idea for a deconsecration service.

Howard Duckworth with the historic Torah Scroll

YLJC Engagement Officer Lilian Coulson worked with the developer, York’s planning office and York Civic Trust to ensure that the redevelopment respects and reflects its historic former use and that its Jewish history should be commemorated long term

The service was led by Rabbi Chait of the United Hebrew Congregation in Leeds. To add extra poignancy, Howard retrieved one of the shul’s three Sefer Torah, previously being used by the Lincoln independent Minyan Jewish community. They had acquired it after the York Orthodox Community was wound up in 2009. It was originally given by Rabbi Hermann Adler, a former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth.

The Torah Scroll was held by Howard throughout the service and at the end he led those present out of the building, for the last time, with the scrolls, to the singing of Adon Olam. The Sefer Torah will remain in York.

Howard said: “It will be a number of years before those present today will forget this momentous occasion.”

Lilian added: “We were delighted to welcome both former members of the Aldwark synagogue’s community back into the building, as well as so many others from Leeds, Lincoln and beyond, to raise our voices together in prayer for this last time in this building.”

Plans have now been agreed for a Blue Plaque to be erected in a prominent position on the outside of the building. It is hoped that this will take place by spring 2026.

Rabbi Alby Chait said: “It was an honour and a privilege to lead the service. There is an immense sense of pride in the history of this congregation. When asked to conduct it, it filled me with excitement that all of us could enter a building that has not been entered by any member of the Jewish community since 1975.”

York Interfaith Group Chair Tina Funnell added: “I was honoured to attend the service to acknowledge and remember the long history and presence of our Jewish neighbours and friends in York. They continue to be an active and positive group in the city and public life.”

What the outside of Aldwark Synagogue looks like today as it prepares for redevelopment