Jewish Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Jewish families have lived in Birmingham since at least the 18th century, working as traders, jewellers, craftsmen and manufacturers. Later arrivals came from eastern Europe in the late 19th century and as refugees from Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Today's community includes families with roots across Europe, Israel and beyond.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 1,687 residents gave their religion as Jewish. Some people of Jewish heritage record their religion in other ways, so the community is a little larger than this figure.

Working for Birmingham

Jewish Brummies have made a remarkable contribution to the city as doctors, lawyers, academics, business owners, manufacturers and public servants, and Jewish charities and volunteers support people of every background. The community has long played an active part in civic life and in bringing faiths together.

Birmingham is one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe, and its progress has always depended on people who chose to make it home. Its hospitals, schools and universities, its building sites, workshops, warehouses and kitchens all rely on skills brought from around the world. The Jewish community adds its own share to that effort, and takes pride in giving back to the city that welcomed it.

Culture and community life

Singers Hill Synagogue, opened in 1856, is one of the finest Victorian synagogues in Britain and still in use today. The community has its own schools, including King David School, and marks the Sabbath and festivals such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover and Hanukkah, when candles are lit for eight nights.

The story of the Jewish community in Birmingham is still being written, by students, workers, parents and pensioners who call the city home. It is a story of hard work, friendship and quiet pride, and Birmingham is richer for it.