About us
The Jewish community in Northamptonshire has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.
Initially established in the 12th century, Northampton was home to one of the largest Jewish
communities in England.
Over the centuries, Jews faced varying degrees of acceptance and persecution, with notable events
like the Northampton Donum in 1194.
Despite being expelled from Northamptonshire in 1237, Jews were allowed to remain in
Northampton itself. The community thrived until the expulsion of all English Jews in 1290.
In the 19th century, a small community reemerged, with the Northampton Hebrew Congregation
formed in 1888.
The community's population fluctuated over time, with peaks during events like World War II when
London Jews sought refuge here.
Today, the Jewish population in Northampton is around 100 (637 less than those who identified as a
Jedi Knight in the 2011 Census!), maintaining connections to their heritage through sites like the
Towcester Road cemetery and the discovery of a medieval synagogue under a pub and fast-food
restaurant – not Kosher!
The synagogue survives as does the community as a whole through the hard work and perseverance
of the community itself.
The History of the NHC
The history of the Northampton Hebrew Congregation dates back to the late 19th century and is
characterised by the following significant milestones:
1. **Formation**:
The Northampton Hebrew Congregation was established in October 1888, marking the formal
beginning of modern(ish) organised Jewish religious life in Northampton. This congregation
played a crucial role in reviving Jewish presence in the area [1][5].
2. **Leadership and Growth**:
Key figures in founding the congregation included George Leopold Michel, a German immigrant
from Frankfurt am Mainz, who was instrumental in setting up regular religious services and
securing a plot for Jewish burials. Other notable individuals like Morris Moss and Phineas
Hayman contributed to the congregation's growth and development [2][3].
3. **Synagogue Establishment**:
In 1890, the congregation purchased the former Jerusalem Temple in Overstone Road, which
served as their place of worship until 1964 when it was replaced by the present synagogue on
the same site. This transition marked a significant milestone in the congregation's history,
providing a permanent place for Jewish worship and community activities [1][5].
4. **Population Fluctuations**:
The Jewish population in Northampton experienced fluctuations over time, with peaks during
events like World War II when several hundred Jews were evacuated to Northampton from
London. Despite this influx, many returned to London after the war, impacting the local Jewish
community's size [1][2].
5. **Continuity and Recognition**:
The congregation maintained a good size through an uninterrupted series of ministers between
1945 and 1965, with Harold Silman serving for 21 years until his retirement in 1992. Additionally,
notable individuals like Victor Rothschild and Warren Julius Wolff contributed to the
community's development and recognition [2].
Overall, the Northampton Hebrew Congregation's history reflects resilience, growth, and adaptation
over time, shaping the Jewish community' presence in Northamptonshire [1][2][3][5].
More information can be found here:
[1] http://www.northantshc.org/history.php
[2] http://www.patrickcomerford.com/2023/02/the-jewish-community-in-northampton-and.html?m=1
[3] http://www.jtrails.org.uk/trails/northampton/keydates
[4] http://www.jtrails.org.uk/trails/northampton/history?page=7
[5] http://www.northantshc.org
An Alternative History for Pesach and Beyond
“Matzah Quest: Chronicles of the Gefilte Knights”
​
Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Northamptonshire, where the rivers flowed with chicken
soup and the hills were made of challah, there lived a tribe of Jews. But these weren’t your ordinary
Jews—they were Gefilte Knights, sworn to protect the sacred matzah recipe from falling into the
wrong hands.
Our tale begins with Sir Bagelstein, the bravest of the Gefilte Knights. He wore a kippah made of
dragon scales and carried a sword forged from the finest brisket. His trusty steed, a gefilte fish
named Loxington, trotted alongside him as they patrolled the gefilte forests.
One day, a mysterious parchment arrived at the Gefilte Castle. It bore the seal of the Evil Bagel
Empire, sworn enemies of the Gefilte Knights. The message read:
“Dear Gefilte Knights, We have kidnapped the Great Matzah Baker, Rabbi Rye, and hidden him in the
Bagel Tower. If you ever want to taste matzah again, bring us the secret recipe. Sincerely, The Bagel
Baron”
Sir Bagelstein clenched his gefilte fists. “We must rescue Rabbi Rye!” he declared. And so, he set off
on a quest, accompanied by Loxington, who swam through the lox-infested Bagel River.
Their journey led them through the Gefilte Forest, where trees whispered ancient Yiddish proverbs.
They encountered the Latke Goblins, who tried to distract them with crispy potato pancakes. But Sir
Bagelstein was resolute. “No latkes today!” he shouted, waving his sword.
Next, they reached the Bagel Tower, guarded by the fearsome Cream Cheese Dragon. Sir Bagelstein
challenged the dragon to a rap battle. “Yo, Cream Cheese Dragon,” he rhymed, “your spread is weak,
your flavour’s bleak. Gefilte Knights are here to seek!”
The dragon blinked, defeated. “Fine,” it grumbled. “But you’ll never defeat the Bagel Baron.”
Inside the tower, they found Rabbi Rye tied to a giant pretzel. “Quick!” he gasped. “The secret
matzah recipe is hidden in the Bagel Baron’s lair.”
They tiptoed past the Baron’s room, where he snored loudly, dreaming of sesame seeds. In the
kitchen, they discovered the recipe—a parchment covered in ancient Hebrew, guarded by a bagel-
shaped golem.
“Speak the magic words,” Rabbi Rye instructed. “Say, ‘Oy vey, this dough is rising!’”
Sir Bagelstein recited the words, and the golem crumbled into a pile of poppy seeds. They grabbed
the recipe and raced back to the Gefilte Castle.
The Bagel Baron pursued them, riding a giant matzah ball. “You’ll never escape!” he shouted.
But Sir Bagelstein had a plan. He unrolled the matzah recipe and read aloud: “To defeat the Bagel
Baron, sprinkle him with kosher salt and shout, ‘You’re toast!’”
The Baron screamed, turning into a bagel-shaped cloud of flour. The Gefilte Knights cheered, and
Rabbi Rye baked a fresh batch of matzah to celebrate.
And so, the Gefilte Knights continued their matzah-guarding duties, protecting the sacred recipe
from latke-loving trolls and challah-chomping ogres. And whenever they faced a challenge, they
remembered the wise words of Rabbi Rye: “In the end, it’s all about the dough.”
And that, my friends, is the fantastical history of the Jews in Northamptonshire—a tale of bravery,
carbs, and a little bit of chutzpah.
Disclaimer: No bagels were harmed in the making of this story.