Papers relating to the Jewish Community in Dunfermline

Scope and Content
Items collected by the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre relating to the former Jewish Community in Dunfermline. The collection includes a Second World War prayer book; two items of early correspondence; papers relating to the plaque unveiling at Segal Place; personal reminiscence; digital and print photographs; and press cuttings. There is a quantity of digital photographs relating to the Bernstein family.
Administrative / Biographical History
The first Jewish residents of Dunfermline were pedlars and shopkeepers in the late 19th Century. A community was formed in 1908 with a minister, a committee and Hebrew classes. The synagogue moved between various private houses and halls, with around 50 Jewish people in the town in the 1911 and 1921 censuses. Ministers included Rev. Morris Balanow and Rev. Samuel Segal. From the 1920s to the 1940s, the synagogue was in a hall in Pittencrieff Street. There were a few Jewish shops in the town and families included Segal, Bernstein, Sclar, Ruddick, Brodsky, Green, Hodes, Warrens, Bloch and Rifkind. The community was formally wound up about 1950, but some Jewish people continued to live in Dunfermline.
Access Information
Open

Scope and Content