Maghain Aboth Synagogue, Singapore. The name means shield of our fathers. Notice the six point star at the top of the building and the Hebrew writing which you read from right to left. The Russian and almost identical Bulgarian Cyrillic alphabets were designed by the two Greek orthodox priests who were brothers, one called Cyril. Their Cyrillic alphabets turned the letters around so you could write from left to write. Now you know why some Russian and Cyrillic letters seem to be back to front. That was how writing the alphabet started.
The museum is in Waterloo Street, near two MRT stations. The nearest is Bras Basah CC2.
One block away is Ben Coolen MRT railway station on the Downtown line, DT21. Print the street map, or at the ticket office before leaving the station, ask for the Singapore Art Museum.
Entry to the Jewish Museum is free, but you must book. On the booking form you have to give your name and NRIC (national identity card) number.
The Museum is in the Jacob Ballas building, next door to the Maghain Aboth synagogue, completed 1878, and diagonally opposite the Singapore Art Museum.
The centre also has a kosher food shop. Check the opening hours.
Famous Jewish Singaporeans include
1 Jacob Ballas, who was the donor for the building. first chairman of the Malayan Stock exchange, later the Malaysia and Singapore stock exchange.
2 Lawyer Harry Elias - set up the criminal legal aid system
3 Surgeon Yahya Cohen
Sir Manasseh Meyer
4 Sir Manasseh Meyer who built the second synagogue Chesed-el, next to his house. It opened in 1905. It has white marble floors, has a white interior, and white exterior, contrasting with green trees.
The synagogue on Waterloo street contains a Mikveh, Jewish ritual bath for women, used complete submersion after the end of menstruation before resuming marital relations with the husband. I saw this on a guided tour organized by either Friends of the Museum or the Women's Association of the British club or the American club or the Australian club. I was active in all of these, and writers groups and British Council meetings, in my early days in Singapore, before joining Toastmasters International.
Wiki reveals:
Together with three other wealthy Jews, Meyer bought a large piece of land in Moulmein Road for $5,407.12 for the Jewish Cemetery. Meyer also bought the adjoining piece of land for $8,681.40 and, after reserving a plot for himself and his second wife, Rebecca, presented it to the community. His wife Rebecca died in 1915.
the lawyer
5 David Marshall, first chief minister of Singapore.
Whilst visiting the Jewish Museum, see the Singapore Art Museum.
Jewish Museum
24 Waterloo Street,
Singapore 187968
Opening times
Open Sunday to
Thursday 10-6
Friday morning 12-1
Closed on Saturday and Jewish festivals.
Chesed-El synagogue, Oxley Rise, Singapore
Useful Websites
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/first-jewish-museum-in-singapore-opens-in-waterloo-street
https://singaporejews.com/museum/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Singaporean_Jews
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maghain_Aboth_Synagogue
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/singapore-virtual-jewish-history-tour
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manasseh_Meyer
Inter Religious Organization, founded 1949
ART MUSEUM
https://www.facebook.com/singaporeartmuseum
https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/art-events/exhibitions/the-explorer-project
Getting there
Bencoolen on the downtown Line.
SBS Transit - 1800 287 2727.
About the Author of this blog, Author Angela Lansbury
BIOGRAPHY
Angela Lansbury B A Hons ACG ALB PM5 EH5 DL5 VC5
The Author of several books, including: Etiquette For Every Occasion. Wedding Speeches & Toasts. How to be the Best Man. Quick Quotations. Who Said What When.
Blogs travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com
dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com
Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Club Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), Previous President
Join BHA 1st Wednesday 7pm and 3rd Saturday 2 pm Singapore time
Vice President Public Relations (VP PR) of Tampines Changkat Advanced;
Secretary of weekly online Singapore International Dynamic Toastmasters Speakers’ Club;
Member and past president of Harrovians toastmasters club, UK; Past member of HOD Toastmasters, London. Past member in Singapore of: Toastmasters Club of Singapore (TCS); Tiarel; and Senja Cashew.
More details from Toastmasters International find a club.
Regular attendee at annual Swanwick Writers’ School, England.
Regular attendee at annual Writers’ Holiday, Wales.
Contributor to poetry readings, and after tea courses on: Speaking On Radio To Promote Books; and Plots And Character.
Winner of many club and area speaking contests in the UK and Singapore.
Language advisor to Empire Toastmasters club in Indonesia.
Language and speech workshops in Singapore.
Speaker on radio and TV in England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia.
Compiler of a school course on public speaking for teachers to prepare pupils for school open days with attending ceremonies before government ministers, Singapore.
Former member of Harrow Writers’ Circle, London, and two writing groups in Singapore.
Angela is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter. She would be delighted to link up with new friends.
I also have a blog on comic poems.
Please share links to your favourite posts.
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