227. THE JEWISH CORNER

 

Nestled in a leafy corner of Waterloo Street, is this Jewish Synagogue, a new Museum, a kosher cafe and a small mart selling everything that's kosher...

It's not a place that one can just walk in so I jumped at the chance to tour it. I suppose because of a siege mentality, they have been protective of their safety and privacy. Since the Museum opened, they are more receptive to visitors under controlled conditions, and are open to wanting to share their culture and history etc to more people. Prior permission was required for entry and an ID had to be produced at the guard house. This is for a group. For individuals, they may email to register their visit, entry is free.

On this map below, (I couldn't get one showing its location), it's facing the main Waterloo street, next door to the Singapore Calligraphy Centre.

Comprising 2 large buildings, the Jacob Ballas Centre and the Synagogue, it's quite an imposing structure.

This Rabbi is newly arrived to Singapore and wants to open this Synagogue and the Museum to more people who's interested to learn about their customs, culture, religious practices etc.

Here he shows and explains their Jewish holy scriptures, the Torah, housed in this special room.

Well known names in Singapore's Jewish community. More and more Israelis have settled in Singapore in the last 15 years.

Their Prime Minister, Netanyahu, came to check us out too!

The Prayer Hall from a vantage point...

Some of their interesting neighbors on the same street - this is an Arts district