History

The first Jews to settle there were of Baghdadi origin, mainly from India, who migrated to Singapore when Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading post in Singapore in 1819.

A couple of decades after the Sultan in 1824 sold the 200 square mile area to England, the Jewish community was large enough to build a synagogue seating 40 persons on what is still known as "Synagogue Street."

The 1931 census records that the 832 Jews and larger number of Arab residents were the largest house property owners in the city.

There were over 1,500 Jewish inhabitants by 1939. Many were interned by the Japanese during World War II, and a number subsequently emigrated to Australia, England, the United States, and Israel. As a result the community numbered approximately 450 in 1968.

Singapore is a melting pot of both East and West. Caught betwixt but not between the different cultures, this tiny but vibrant island commands an elite position in East Asia. From its colonial days, Singapore has positioned itself as a major port-of-call and grown into a world-class financial center. Singapore has, from her early independent days, positioned herself to become one of the world's biggest business and finance centers.

A small community of Jews resides in this tiny island. From Singapore's colonial days, the Jews of Singapore have contributed productively to the nation's success and development story.

As trade opportunities increased so did the wealth, influence and population of the Jewish community.

Apart from their contribution to commerce, Jews have taken a considerable part in political life and in 1955 David T. Marshall became the first chief minister of the Republic.

An interesting and influential figure at the turn of the century was Sir Manasseh Meyer. A rich Jew (who was then probably the wealthiest in the Far East), Sir Manasseh Meyer built his own synagogue in 1905 (The Maghain Aboth Synagogue which was founded in 1878 was outgrown in a couple of decades). while his son, Reuben, endorsed a community club in his name. Both synagogues have been gazetted as national monuments by the Singapore government.

Today, with just two hundred local Jews left, both the synagogues are active. The Maghain Aboth Synagogue is opened throughout the year while Chesed El conducts Monday morning services and opens throughout the High Holidays.

The synagogue is the nucleus of the community. It embodies a sense of unity and perseverance.

Rabbi Mordechai and his wife Simcha maintain a strong Jewish presence.

The Jewish Welfare Board, a committee of volunteers elected yearly by the Community oversees and manages the community's affairs.

With the efforts and influence of Mrs. Simcha Abergel and a team of dedicated parents, a Jewish Nursery Day School "Ganenu" was set up. Its students include children from the local community, and expatriates. Ganenu, it is hoped, is seen as a stepping-stone to a Jewish day school with a recognized curriculum that would include all age groups in time to come.

The old and needy are equally attended to. The late Abdullah Shooker entrusted a bungalow for an old age home.

Situated within close proximity to the Maghain Aboth synagogue, number 81 Wilkie Road has become a pillar of support and houses some 12 people and two housekeepers.

The legacy of a number of Jewish people lives on as seen on the names of various buildings, roads and institutions. Some buildings bear the Star of David, concrete proof of a once wealthy Jewish family. Apart from their contribution to commerce, Jews have taken a considerable part in political life and in 1955 David T. Marshall became the first chief minister of the Republic

As the new millenium approaches, the local community is into its fourth generation. The present community is as equally vibrant as its predecessors.

Jewish merchants have carved a niche for themselves in various industries from diamonds, garments, entertainment, food and beverage, to optical and pharmaceutical trades.

There are young, eminent academics who have made endless contributions to their fields of study.

Despite the small numbers, our community has much to offer her members; a good Jewish education for the youth, weekly discussions, up to the minute gossip and Sabbath luncheons and dinners, which will help to keep the spark burning for generations to come.