Giffnock Synagogue


Giffnock and Newlands Synagogue, located at 222 Fenwick Road in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, is the largest Jewish religious congregation in Scotland. The synagogue also features a religious day school for both children and teenagers.

Spiritual leadership

The congregation is led by Rabbi Moshe Rubin who originally hails from the United States having joined the community in 1990, first serving as their Cantor. He was asked to take over the pulpit upon the retirement of the previous Rabbi in 1999. Giffnock's Cantor from 1964 to 1990 was the late Rev Ernest Levy OBE. The Cantor for the High Holydays since 2008 has been Mr. Russell Grossman, of London.

Brief history and community

Founded in 1934 approximately, the synagogue stood at May Terrace in Giffnock until 1968. The new current complex was erected on Maryville Avenue. Giffnock Synagogue is described as a "provincial synagogue". As an affiliate member of the United Synagogue organization of Great Britain, it is under the aegis of the Chief Rabbi. It is the largest Jewish community in Scotland. Services are conducted in the Ashkenazi Orthodox ritual.

Membership