When not hosting religious services and activities, the East Melbourne Synagogue operates as a Library and Museum that exhibits important Judaica items and artefacts and allows access to a comprehensive body of Jewish literature to the public. The Library and Museum also hosts classes, orations, group tours, school visits, and conferences.
The Library and Museum is open to the public during Synagogue office hours and is closed on public holidays and Jewish holidays. It is professionally catalogued, curated and maintained for easy access.
Our Judaic collection covers all aspects of Jewish interest, non-fiction and fiction, plus books on various topics written by Australian Jewish writers. We also have some very old & rare volumes, artefacts, Torah scrolls and accoutrements and many other interesting items. There is a separate collection of children’s books and objects.
Currently the library and museum is being refurbished and significantly expanded and will reopen in 2022 with a spectacular setup featuring over 10,000 books and Jewish texts as well as customised stunning displays of traditional Judaica and historical items.
Due to COVID restrictions and the renovation works, access to the library and tours of the Synagogue are available to the public by appointment only at this time.
Please note our library is a reference library and (with a few limited exceptions) does not allow loans of the books.
For all enquiries please email our office.
